Job Discussion Forums

[aroha]

Hola, i've just found a high school teaching job in DF starting in February and now I'm looking for a small apartment in the Cuajimalpa or Vista Hermosa area. I can't afford more than US$380 per month. I think that puts Vista Hermosa out of my reach. Does anyone know of any good websites or newspapers where I could find apartments for rent? I'm asking around the other teaching staff as well, with fingers crossed.

I used to work in Tokyo and loved the free Metropolis magazine which had lots of news and reviews about what was happening around town. There was also a classifieds section for rentals and second-hand stuff. Are there any publications like that in Mexico? In English or Spanish?

Also, for the first time in my life i miss watching rugby. If there are any other kiwis or australians who are missing their national game, or want to throw a rugby ball around the Alameda (only half-joking as I did bring an official All Black rugby ball), please send me a PM.

[MixtecaMike]

For finding an apartment, can't beat the Aviso Oportuno section of El Universal.

Availale on line at http://www.aviso-oportuno.com.mx

As for rugby, I would never throw my balls around the Alemeda

[Guy Courchesne]

Once you are in DF, you'll have an easier time finding an apartment. Check Segundamano...comes out Monday and Thursday.

One thing to watch out for...many DF landlords want up to 3 months rent up front. Some may also ask you for a co-signor.

[MixtecaMike]

Maybe it's changed, but Segundamano used to be free ads but people wanted higher prices. If they've paid money for the ad (El Universal) thery're more eager to find a tenant.

If you want a place by yourself you'll almost definitely need a fiador, a person who owns property in the Greater Metropolitan Area. You'll probably have to pay money to an agency to get one of these, then smile and pretend youve known each other for ages while you all sign the lease together.

Get a room in a boarding house, less hassles, one month rent in advance plus one month bond.

[PiojoBlanco]

I found my apartment through Segunda Mano. I was new to the city and didn't have a fiador, but I gave my landlord 2 month's rent as security deposit and showed him a letter proving I had employment and a decent salary and he was fine with that.

[Guy Courchesne]

Segunadamano still has free ads...I haven't really noticed if people want higher prices or not. I end up negotiating anyway when helping teachers find places to live in DF.

[aroha]

Thanks for all your suggestions. I am staying in DF now with my friend's family - its just too far away from school. We took a drive around the area and found lots of signs with contact phone numbers advertising rentals. Hopefully I'll find something through Segundamano, el Universal or one of those random signs.... Thanks for the information about the fiador.

[MixtecaMike]

If you're already there then a drive or walk around the area you want to live in copying phone numbers of the Se Alquila signs is probably the best bet.

Good luck.

[lozwich]

Well, yeah, Mikey-boy, but does our fellow antipodean speak good enough Spanish not to get the wool pulled over his/her eyes when going through the whole negotiation process? No offence, aroha, but take care of this when you're working out the contract details. I for one used to pay a whole lot more than a local for my rent (although I wasn't in DF), simply because it was assumed that I was a rich gringa who didn't understand what was going on...

Just my two bob,
Lozwich.

[Guy Courchesne]

I found it fun learning the negotiating game in Mexico...something we don't really do in Canada. You do need good spanish, but even more so, you need a good sense of brinksmanship.

Mike, you are right about the Se Alquila signs. Some of the best deals I've found on living arrangments have been found in the streets and not through Segunadamano, though the latter I find better for being able to look at the city as a whole.

[aroha]

Ja ja ja, when they see my proof of income they might decide against renting the place to me. And while my Spanish is improving, it still makes some people cringe, so I think I'll leave the negotiations up to my (Mexican) boyfriend.

[MixtecaMike]

In Mexico you should be safe from the sheep jokes, just the occasional cuzzie from across the Tasman, like Lozza, might bring it up.

[lozwich]

God Mike! How many times do I have to tell you that its Lozzie, not Lozza!! Sheesh! You sheep fanciers sure are a little light on the grey matter...



And, no, aroha, it wasn't a sheep joke, but I'll take credit for it anyway!

Lozzie Lozwich Lozenstein