© 2015 Dwellworks
Page 24
Discovering Mexico
Housing
Home Finding
Apartments normally have one to three bedrooms with sizes varying depending on the
neighborhood and rent cost. Houses typically have two to three bedrooms, with one
bathroom per bedroom, and walk-in closets. Most houses have small gardens or patios.
Four bedroom apartments are almost non-existent, but sometimes three bedroom
apartments have a study or a family room that can be closed and serve as a forth
bedroom. Houses with four bedrooms are also very hard to find regardless of the size or
price of the property; it is just how properties in Mexico are built. Mexican families that
have more than two children typically have siblings of the same gender sleep in the same
room.
Most properties are unfurnished and do not include appliances. Kitchens usually include a
stove and an oven and sometimes appliances can be negotiated on a case by case basis
with landlords. Options are limited for furnished and/or fully equipped properties.
Most properties in Mexico are not pet-friendly. Landlords are often afraid of damages to
the property. If the landlord does agree to a pet, they normally require an additional clause
in the lease that states that any damages caused by the pet will be the tenant’s
responsibility.
Renter’s Insurance is not a common practice in Mexico; however, if interested in acquiring
it, your Consultant can offer a list of providers.
Utilities
The relocating employee usually arranges telephone, cable, and internet connections,
contacting several providers that offer different plans to find the plan best suited to their
needs.
A private company distributes gas, and the building administration charges the tenants.
Houses normally have a private contract with gas companies and receive the service
depending on their consumption. All bills can be paid online, at banks, or even at
supermarkets.
Water and electricity bills always stay under the landlord’s name. The bills are paid every
30 or 60 days depending on the state. These companies are government owned, and for
this reason there is a lot of bureaucracy that can create frustration when dealing with
inaccurate invoices or meter readings.