Moving to Malta

"utilities such as gas, elec and water as very costly," - not very different to the UK

"any idea whether many apartments allow(pets) ?" not many do

Hi,

I haven't been in Malta very long, but I think I can answer some of your questions.

Work: If you don't have any qualifications as such, and you're not specialised, it can be quite difficult to find a job, as Maltese people are generally preferred over foreigners. This is not to say you won't find anything, but just don't expect too much, or a good job, and expect to search for a while as well. You have the best chances, if you can do something that is not widely available in Malta, such as speaking a foreign language fluently. One that is not English, as all Maltese speak English already. It's probably best to have some savings when you come, in case you won't find a job straight away.

Pets: I inquired about this with the agency's as well, and it really depends on the landlord. However, many of them tolerate pets. This is what they told me.

Utility bills: They cost about the same as in the UK. But there is one difference with tariffs for electricity. When the landlord has a normal residential tariff, it's normally about 20c/KWh. Some landlords that rent out short or long term lets have a commercial tariff, which is about 50c/KWh. You can inquire this with the agency up front and they will be able to find out which tariff it is. Don't expect the utility bill to be in your name, the landlords usually keep it in their name and charge you the amount you used. You usually pay them a set amount each month, which goes towards the bills. This is to ensure that you don't run off and leave them with unpaid utility bills. It does happen quite frequently of what I've heard. So, before renting a flat, inquire about the tariffs for electricity and water and gas, unless you have bottled gas, which some places do. I pay 50 Euro a month towards the utility bills, but I think I use way less. It is after all only a payment towards the bills, at the end of my rental, the final bill will be received and I can claim overpaid money back, or pay more, if needed.

I hope this answers your questions a little bit. And keep in mind, they are my experiences, others may have a different experience, and your own experience can be quite different too.
However, if you do decide to go to Malta, it's a lovely country and it's very nice and sunny here now.


Laura.

mio wrote:

Pets: I inquired about this with the agency's as well, and it really depends on the landlord. However, many of them tolerate pets. This is what they told me..

if its an apartment, its not normally up to the landlord -most apartment blocks have a "no pets" rule which the landlord cannot over-rule. With houses its different

Ah, that's interesting, and good to know, thank you. My house is an apartment house and my landlord is fine with cats. It might be different with dogs though, as they are often louder than cats. but it's definitely something that can be inquired with the agency's and they can find out.

The job situation here is a difficult one without specialised experience/knowledge. Be prepared to be without work for 3-6 months as it can take three months just to find a lowly paid job never mind a well paid one (if their is such a thing) - in our experience make sure you have enough savings to last you 6 months and cover deposits, rent, bills, food, bus fares etc. cars are expensive even second hand ones. a 10 year old car can cost 5-6k.

Pets as George said are not normally allowed in apartment blocks as the rules are laid out beforehand.... but in general it is done and accepted...but if in a block be prepared for complaints as not everyone is an animal lover...otherwise most landlords will generally accept a pet as long as you offer a form of extra deposit or sign the letting agreement agreeing to cover any cleaning and/or damages caused by the pet. Also consider where you can walk and toilet your pet as fouling here is rife and many  get enraged at it.

In terms of Utility bills I personally find it cheaper here than in the UK, not everyone sees it that way as we all have different habits but we do find it far cheaper and there are three of us and a pesky cat...lol ..but be sure to check your billing as there are different tariffs for those who have residency to those who have not...(not just an id card) although these things are changing to being a combined id and residency certificate. Make sure you get a copy of the two page bill, not just a computation on a spreadsheet compiled by your landlord...Check that you have the right number of consumers on the bill, if not get your residency/id complete the forms available from ARMs and get your landlord to complete his forms to have it changed..there may be a deposit of 466euros to pay as a security deposit..but only pay this to ARMs and not your landlord. again this is to ensure you dont leave the island without paying the bills. Some Expats have left a nasty taste here by leaving unpaid hefty bills and everyone else suffers as a result. Also check what phasing (single or three or both) you have in your building as this too makes a difference - also check for communal areas billing (cleaning,elec lighting, lift usage and servicing) too as these are not normally included in the rent and are extra.

Buying at the moment would not be a good idea...renting is far cheaper and right for now as the climate for buying is not good and the properties are overpriced by a long way. it is better to rent first see if you can secure a job(s), if you like the island and what it has to offer. Renting allows flexibility if you dont like the accom (as faults are not always obvious) your stay can be limited by the contract you sign (min 3-6months) the shorter the better initially, then if you like where you are (accom surroundings, getting to work, services etc etc) renew for another period (include negotiating a new rate). Buying on the other hand can be a nightmare if you get these things wrong (and people do), you could be lumbered for years as property sales here are extremely slow....as nobody wants to buy an overpriced property. its fine once you have found your ideal location and property and if you are not in it to sell and move on.

Anyway enjoy Marmite Malta and all it has to offer

Toon - I realise that your comprehensive reply was directed to Louise91, but I just wanted to say how useful your comments were regarding utilities. There have been masses of posts about utilities but I think it's the first time that I've read such a precise synopsis of what to look out for regarding billing.I have added it to my 'fact sheet' Thank you

no problem Rooikat...we do try to help..but remember they are my opinions and dont necessarily apply to all - its simply what we have experienced in the four years we have lived here, made our mistakes and learned....fortunately the mistakes werent too costly and even though we lost two deposits, it was our choice to do so and leave our contract early as the properties were not ideal and not what we ultimately wanted - rose tinted glasses off...lol - only found later in the tenancy....but we have now luckily found our ideal place, well for us anyway. we got our ideal place through word of mouth and friends of friends often an ideal way to get the exact accom you need/want. bonus for us we got only four other residents in the block and they all own so they look after it....plus we got great landlords very helpful and do the repairs/re-decoration eventually. Plus our bills come through every two months without fail. 

Glad to be of help