Accommodation in Lima
Located in the north of Peru, Trujillo is the capital city of the Peruvian district of La Libertad and the country's third biggest city. It is known to be a very dynamic and modern city, and very productive with agriculture, construction, and tourism fueling the economy and offering many employment opportunities for locals and expats alike.
Catering to the many professionals and workers in the city is a diverse rental market, ranging from modest apartments to large family homes, so it shouldn't be too difficult to find accommodation.
Where to live in Trujillo
The city is only 2 km from the beach resort of Huancacho, so an attractive option is to live by the sea and commute into the city for work. Closer to the central commercial and business zones are several residential neighbourhoods, which are also good options.
The city is also well served with public transport. Collectivos, the small buses, can be found everywhere in Trujillo. Despite some traffic, particularly around rush hour, it's easy to navigate the city.
It's a good idea to spend some time walking around the different areas and testing the journey to the city centre or your place of work before deciding where to live. If you're trying to find accommodation in Trujillo before you arrive, internet research and asking in online forums can also help.
Rent prices
You are likely to find many residential buildings, houses, and condominiums in Trujillo, with a good range for all tastes and budgets, which will also vary depending on whether you're moving there alone, as a couple or with a family. In comparison to Lima and international standards, rental prices are quite low, and you'll find that you get a lot for your money, making Trujillo an attractive option for expats looking to relocate to Peru.
Like in most cities, rent prices vary according to the type and size of accommodation and from one neighbourhood to another. The price will also vary depending on whether the property is furnished or not.
For a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre, you can expect to pay about 1,000 New Peruvian Soles (PEN), and for a three-bedroom family apartment an average of 1,800 PEN. There are many new high-rise apartment buildings in the city, offering modern accommodation, which is priced at a premium. Houses also tend to be more expensive.
Find accommodation in Trujillo
Given the relatively low rent prices in Trujillo, you can easily seek the assistance of a real estate agency to find accommodation to fit your criteria and budget. In general, agency fees are equal to a month's rent. But if you prefer to look for accommodation on your own, you can browse offers on the internet and check out classified ads in local newspapers. However, having some knowledge of Spanish will be a considerable advantage. This will also allow you to negotiate with the owner once you have made your choice, and check the details in the rental contract before you sign it.
Rental Contracts
Ensure that you are clear on what the responsibilities of the landlord and tenant are. Most rental contracts require a deposit of at least one month's rent in advance. Apartments usually have a monthly service fee (mantimiento) which is usually paid by the tenant in addition to the rent. This covers general maintenance, elevator repairs, security, etc., and sometimes includes water and other utilities. Local council taxes are usually paid by the landlord.
If you do not yet have a residence permit, as an expatriate you will have to obtain 'permission to sign contracts' from the Immigration Department in order to sign your rental contract.
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