Job Discussion Forums

[doreenp]

Could I get some information about renting living accomodations in Mexico? I realize it will vary and what is normal in Mexico City may not be the norm elsewhere. When you rent an apartment in the great white north, you usually get hydro, heat and cable and the apt. will have a fridge and stove.

I have read postings that comment that fridge and stoves are considered "furnished " apts? Some other postings have talked about "gas" for hot water heaters and cooking. What kind of 'gas' is this, propane?. When you rent an apt. is electricity included? what about garbage disposal?

I realize these may seem obvious questions to some, but i don't want to get there assuming anything and finding out that flush toilets were optional ! (and this did happen to me in France ) What do i ask about and what do I avoid?

thanks
Dee

[lozwich]

Hi Dee,

I live in a small town, and was not able to find any furnished apartments, so I had to purchase everything including fridge, stove, bed, plates etc etc etc. One of my colleagues even had to buy his own toilet seat...

But, water is paid for by my landlady. I have a telephone, which is in someone else's name, and that I didn't have to pay connection for, but pay the monthly line rental. I share the electricity expenses with the other apartments in the block. I'm lucky, I have a HUGE gas (liquid petroleum) tank on my roof, which got filled the same day that I rang the gas people. I think it cost 3.5 pesos per litre.

If you're thinking of nasty toilet stories, you might want to be aware that in most parts of Mexico, toilet paper is not flushed, but put in a bin next to the toilet. Of course, in your house, you are responsible for getting rid of this. In my town, and lots of others I've seen here, garbage disposal is done by running outside when a guy in a red truck rings his bell to signify that he's the basurero. It costs 2 pesos per bag here.

It may all sound a little odd and overwhelming now, but its amazing the things a person can get used to!

Good luck!

Lozwich.

[MELEE]

I live in the same town as Lozwich, so I won't repeat her.

I suggest that you check out a book called The Peoples Guide to Mexico they have a webpage but it is worth reading the book if you are thinking of living in Mexico for any length of time. It has the low down on a lot of things you will face in Mexico (scorpions, water pumps, etc.)

[lozwich]

MELEE reminded me about the water pumps. They will only ever stop doing their designated task when you are in the shower, completely covered in shampoo, soap and singing at full volume. Then you will have to try to get all that stuff off yourself without water and climb up on the roof to get the dang thing going again....

Regular water pump maintenance is very important around here, and a good excuse to go up on the roof and enjoy the view.

Have a good day,

Lozwich.

[Samantha]

Rental homes and apartments not only vary from city to city and town to town, but across the street can be very different as well. You will probably have to search around like I did, in person. Apartments I encountered here do not include utilities because of the a/c factor. Some apartments are furnished while some are bare. If you are staying a long time, you can get a cheap rental by furnishing it yourself with the basics. If you don't know how long you will stay, look for a sleeping room (with no contract required) until you know you are staying longer. Scout around in person, after talking to some of the locals to get a feel for the area. That is the only sure-fired way. If you speak Spanish you will save yourself money. The best rental deals aren't advertised but are known around the "hood".