Are you moving to Malta? Though you are planning to rent a flat or a house rather than buying it, keep in mind that it will be your cozy nest for the foreseeable future.
The decision of renting a property involves the heart, but you should balance this with a rational assessment of the potential of living in this property. To avoid disappointments, here are five things I think you really should know before renting in Malta.
Renting in Malta: Check out the surrounding area
Needless to say that there is a construction boom in Malta. If you are renting a house or a flat in a quiet street and wish to avoid construction noise and dust pollution, make sure that there is no project for construction in the near future.
One sign that building or re-building projects may take place soon in the area you consider to move to is the number of the storeys in buildings or townhouses that surround the property that you are planning to rent. Landlords in Malta have been given permission to add more floors to their townhouses and 4 –
Check if there are any signs of damp and mold
The flats and houses in Malta are not only cold and humid in winter but they can also have mold and fungal problems. Look for black or grey marks on the walls and behind furniture. Also pay close attention to the color of the ceiling, especially if you are interested in a top floor flat. When I first moved to Malta, I did not know that this problem is common so I did not pay attention to it, I have developed a strong mold allergy ever since.
The duration of your rental contract
Rents increase during spring and summer as demand increases. So if you move to Malta in winter and you are interested in a one-year tenancy agreement but the landlord wants you to sign a 6 months renewable contract, that means that the rent will be increased at the end of your six months contract. It’s a common trick used by the landlords here.
Air Conditioning
Always, always, always check if your bedrooms and living room are equipped with AC before renting a proprety, especially if you move to Malta in winter. Don’t say that you will figure it out later or that a fan is enough. No! Summer in Malta is hot, humid and muggy, so everyone should have access to that level of comfort. Ask your landlord to provide you with an AC before moving and make sure that he/she will not ask for the installation fees.
Insect screen
One of the real downsides about the summer in Malta is the spread of mosquitos, cockroaches, and hornets. Not everyone has the luxury of being able to open windows in summer evenings, thus your windows should all have insect screens to keep away those annoying insects.
Hope this helps you to decide which property to choose in Malta. Also, welcome to the sunny island.
Feel free to drop me a line at hello@summerytouch.com or Instagram if you have any question.
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