What can I expect to find in an unfurnished, a semi furnished or a furnished property?

An unfurnished property will be totally empty; this means no kitchen appliances, no light fittings, and at times, no window treatments. A semi furnished property will include some kitchen appliances, usually light fittings and window treatments. A furnished property can include anything from the basics; kitchen, table, chairs, beds, and mostly everything you could possibly require in a property, although soft furnishings are rarely ever included. In a furnished property you will usually find all appliances Air conditioning is not a standard feature in most properties.

What sort of flexibility will I have to negotiate rent or furnishings?

Properties in large cities are in high demand and landlords are generally willing to negotiate. It is always worth trying to offer a slightly lower figure than the asking price or request to have other furniture installed or work done on the property. Express Relocation will negotiate on your behalf until an agreeable arrangement to both parties is reached, and a lease is signed.

How many properties will I be shown?

This depends on the Relocation Package you have. Basic Packages include THREE to FIVE days of home finding where you can reasonably expect to see between 15 and 25 properties. You will be told at the outset how many properties you will be shown, and these will be as close to your 'Needs Analysis' description as possible according to what is available on the market at the time.

How can I secure a property that I choose?

The only way to ensure a property you choose is not rented to someone else is to make an “Oferta” (proposal). This is required if the property is in high demand or if there will be a period of time before the lease can commence. An Oferta is a proposal to rent, either a draught contract or a few clauses putting forth your offer and conditions on the property. The Oferta is to be signed by the one intending to rent, and a holding deposit, equaling one months rent, is to be paid to the landlord (usually in the form of a check if possible). The landlord has several days (generally a minimum of 7, the number will be specified in the Oferta), in which he can accept or reject the offer, although while no money is paid, he can keep showing the property to anyone else. If he accepts the offer, the landlord is bound to rent the property and the holding deposit is deducted from the sum owed to him. If the party who made the offer pulls out of the deal, the deposit is lost and it is non-refundable.

What costs are involved in renting a property?

A security deposit will have to be paid to the landlord. This is usually between 1 to 2 months rent, refundable upon exit when all utility bills arrive and have been paid. At times, landlords require a 'Fiador’ or ‘Guarantor’ besides the security deposit. The first rental payment will also have to be paid to the landlord. Rent is usually due monthly but landlords can dictate how they wish to be paid. If a holding deposit has been made along with an Oferta, the sum is deducted from the above payments to the landlord.

What other expenses should I expect to pay?

Apartments usually have a monthly Condominium fee, payable together with the rent. This fee is to cover the cost of the upkeep of the common areas of the apartment building; including lighting, cleaning, general maintenance, gatekeepers, and/or security personnel. It may also include gardening expenses if there is a common outside area. All utilities expenses are the responsibility of the tenant, according to consumption.

What is the process to rent a property?

Once the offer is accepted, signed by the tenant along with the holding deposit to the real estate agent for the signature of the landlord, and signed by both parties; the landlord is bound to the offer and the holding deposit is non refundable. A legally valid contract is negotiated and prepared by Express Relocation. Both parties will agree upon the content. Payments must follow shortly. At times, the landlord can require payment to be deposited in his bank account, other times a bank receipt or proof that payment has been made will be sufficient. Some landlords may require a letter of guarantee from the employer of the tenant or a letter from the company demonstrating income that can support rental payments If a contract is to be signed by corporate, Express Relocation will e-mail the prepared and approved version to the company. Once the copies of the contract have been signed by a legal representative of the company, it will be collected by a Local Counselor to be taken for the landlord's signature.

What chances do I have of receiving my full deposit back when I leave the property?

Provided the property and any furnishings are returned in the state in which they were consigned, Express Relocation will be able to obtain a full deposit refund for you. To this end, we insist on taking a thorough property inspection and inventory when the tenant enters the property. This inventory is taken in the presence of the landlord and tenant, and two copies are to be signed by both parties. What responsibility do I have as a tenant towards maintenance of the property? Unlike Great Britain or the USA, where the landlord is responsible for the upkeep of the property, Mexican law states that the tenant is responsible for general maintenance whereas the landlord is responsible for major maintenance. Basically this means that all plumbing and electrical fixtures that are outside of the walls or visible to the eye, are the responsibility of the tenant (leaking taps, door bell that does not work, etc.). The landlord is responsible for the plumbing and electrical system within the walls of the property; e.g. heating pipes.

What if I need to break the lease earlier than agreed upon?

Standard contracts are for 1 and 2 years. Express Relocation will ensure a diplomatic break clause is inserted into the contract for the protection of the tenant. It is usually possible to negotiate a break clause after the first year with one or two months notice, although the landlord will have the final say as to what is acceptable. If a 1 year contract is put in place, the break clause will usually include a one month penalty for early termination.

How are utilities accounts charged?

When renting a property, the utility bills are generally not transferred into the name of the tenant, and we will arrange that all services are functioning and in service before you move in. If no prior contract has been signed (i.e. new properties), the new contract can be signed under the tenants name. Utility bills arrive to the property address every month, with the exception of the electricity bill that arrives every two months. Express Relocation will ensure meter readings are noted when the property inspection and inventory are taking place to ensure only the tenants own consumption is paid for.

Will I be able to get Satellite TV?

Satellite dishes may be installed with the permission of the landlord or can at times be negotiated at time of contract preparation. Some buildings have restrictions that prohibit the installation of any dish. Subscriptions to channels in English or Spanish are available.

Is my license valid in Mexico?

If you have a valid US or EU license you may drive in Mexico, but you must obtain a Mexican one as soon as possible for insurance and other purposes. When driving you must have your driver's license with you at all times. Driving without a valid license is a felony. Should anyone be involved in a serious accident and does not possess a valid license, they risk imprisonment.