A Tenant’s Guide to Renting a Home in BKK1, Phnom Penh
Since 2009, IPS Cambodia has been a leading real estate company in Cambodia. We provide professional help to tenants. This helps you make a clear choice about renting a home in the BKK1 area.
BKK1: Phnom Penh's Best Neighborhood
BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang 1) is Phnom Penh’s most popular place to live. It has grown into a modern city spot. People choose it for its good location, safe streets, and modern way of life.
What Makes BKK1 Special?
BKK1 is unique because it offers everything you need close by. You find top cafes, world foods, supermarkets, and gyms all within walking distance. This makes daily life easy.
Where is BKK1 and How Do You Get Around?
BKK1 is in the center of Chamkarmon District. Main roads like Norodom and Monivong border it. This means you can easily go to business areas and embassies. Getting around is simple. Many tuk-tuks and ride-hailing apps like Grab are always available. Streets are safe for walking.
Life in BKK1
Life in BKK1 is easy and fun. The area is clean and safe. Many trees line the streets. In the evenings, you find great restaurants and cafes. There are also health studios and gyms. This creates a friendly and social atmosphere.
Who Lives in BKK1?
BKK1 is home to people from many countries. This includes expats, embassy staff, and Cambodian professionals. It is a good place for families, single people, and couples.
Different Kinds of Rental Homes in Cambodia
It helps to know about different types of homes when you find a property.
- Condominium (Condo): This is your own home inside a larger building. You share common areas like a pool and gym. A company manages the building. Foreigners can own condos here. This is a top choice for a high-quality life.
- Serviced Apartment: This home comes fully furnished. Rent usually covers water, electricity, and cleaning. It is good for short or medium stays.
- Standard Apartment: This home is often in smaller buildings. It has fewer services. You usually pay for your own water and electricity. This is often a cheaper choice.
Types of Condos for Rent in BKK1
BKK1 has many condo styles. From a 1-bedroom condominium to a larger home, options are available.
Unit Sizes and Layouts
- Studio (About 30-50 sqm): One open room. Good for one person.
- 1-Bedroom Condo (About 50-80 sqm): Has a separate bedroom. Good for one or two people.
- 2-Bedroom Condo (About 80-130 sqm): A popular choice. This 2-bedroom condo for rent is good for small families or a home office.
- 3-Bedroom and Larger Homes: These homes are bigger. They suit larger families.
- Penthouse or Duplex: These are top-floor homes. They are often on two levels. They offer the most space and best views.
What Comes with the Home? (Furnishing)
You can find a brand new condo for rent with different levels of furniture.
- Fully Furnished: These homes are ready to move into. They have all furniture and appliances.
- Partly Furnished: These homes have basic things like air conditioners and kitchen cabinets.
- Unfurnished: This home is empty. You bring your own furniture.
Popular Condo Buildings in BKK1
A good property agent in Phnom Penh knows details about every building. Here are some well-known ones.
J Tower 2
- Built Year: 2022
- Special Features and Tips: It has a rooftop pool and Japanese management. Homes facing east get good morning light.
De Castle Royal
- Built Year: 2012
- Special Features and Tips: It has large homes and a family-friendly feel. The building management acts fast for repairs.
Embassy Residences
- Built Year: 2017
- Special Features and Tips: It is a private building with high-quality finishes.
Le Conde BKK1
- Built Year: 2023
- Special Features and Tips: This is a new building with smart home features. It has fast internet.
Full Look at Condo Amenities
Amenities are a big part of choosing a Phnom Penh condo.
Standard Security
- 24/7 Security Guards
- Security Cameras (CCTV)
- Keycard Entry
Health and Fun Features
- Swimming Pools: Many are on the rooftop with great views. Some have child-safe areas.
- Gyms: These have modern equipment.
- Rooftop Gardens
- Playgrounds for Children
Daily Conveniences
- Secure Parking
- Backup Power: A generator ensures power during city outages.
- Professional Management: An office handles residents’ needs.
Clear Look at Rental Prices and Costs
Knowing the real estate price list is key for your budget. We show all costs clearly.
Monthly Rent Prices*
- Studio: $500 - $800
- 1-Bedroom Condo: $700 - $1,300
- 2-Bedroom Condo: $1,200 - $2,500
- 3-Bedroom Condo: $2,000 - $4,500+
- Luxury Condos for Rent: $4,000 and up.
*These prices are general Cambodia real estate prices for top homes in BKK1.
Extra Monthly Costs
- Electricity: Based on how much you use. It is about ~$0.25 - ~$0.30 per unit (kWh).
- Water: Based on how much you use.
- Internet: You pay for your internet plan separately.
First Payments and Rent Rules
- Security Deposit: This is usually one or two months of rent. You get it back at the end of your stay.
- First Month's Rent: You pay this before you move in.
- Lease Length: Most rental agreements are for one year. You might get a shorter term if you ask.
- Early End to Lease: If you move out early, you usually lose your deposit. Your contract explains this.
How IPS Cambodia Helps You Rent: Step-by-Step
As a trusted condominium rental agency, we have a clear, easy process.
- Find Your Needs: We talk with you to learn what you need in a home. This is the first step when you choose a real estate agent.
- View Homes: Your rental agent sets up visits to homes you like. During the visit, we check things like water flow, appliances, and any pest signs. We also tell you about noise levels on different streets.
- Make an Offer: Once you pick a home, your agent helps you make an offer to the owner. We work to get you the best price.
- Sign the Contract: We help you review the rental contract. It is in both English and Khmer. We make sure you understand all the rules.
- Move In: Our team helps you check the home and gives you the keys. We also help set up your electricity and water. This includes how to pay these bills for the first time.
Living in BKK1: Your Area Guide
BKK1 has everything close by.
Schools and Childcare
BKK1 is near top international schools. This includes Invictus International School, Canadian International School, and iCAN British International School. There are also many good daycares.
Hospitals, Clinics, and Pharmacies
For health needs, places like Khema International Polyclinic and Royal Phnom Penh Hospital are nearby. Pharmacies are also easy to find.
Shops, Food, and Nightlife
- Supermarkets: AEON MaxValu, Lucky Supermarket, and Thai Huot Market have all your food needs.
- Food: BKK1 has many restaurants. You can find all types of food.
- Nightlife: The area offers many nice bars.
Fitness and Community
You can use condo gyms or join larger fitness centers. Many yoga places are also here. The area has a good community feel.
Religion and Culture
BKK1 is near many places of worship, like Wat Lanka (a Buddhist temple) and churches. This shows the mix of people here.
Key Legal and Practical Information
Our role as your real estate representative includes giving clear information.
Who Can Rent
Anyone can rent a home in Cambodia. Foreigners need a passport and a valid visa.
Rental Laws
Cambodian rental laws protect both you and the owner. The rental contract sets out your rights and duties. It also explains how your security deposit is protected.
Problems and Solutions
If you have a problem, like a broken appliance, tell the owner or building management. If there is a bigger problem, your contract explains how to solve it. IPS Cambodia can also help you.
Insurance
We suggest getting home contents insurance. This protects your things from harm.
BKK1 Compared to Other Phnom Penh Areas
BKK1
- What it is Like: Modern, easy to walk, many international options.
- Good For: People who want everything close and a fast-paced life.
Tonle Bassac
- What it is Like: Stylish, a bit quieter, close to AEON Mall 1.
- Good For: Families and embassy staff wanting modern homes.
Daun Penh
- What it is Like: Old city feel, near the river, many sights.
- Good For: People who like history and river views.
Toul Kork
- What it is Like: More like a suburb, bigger homes.
- Good For: Families who want a house with a garden.
BKK1 is a good choice if you like ease and a modern life. If you want a very quiet home or a big house, other areas like Toul Kork might be better.
Investment and Future of BKK1
BKK1 for Investors
BKK1 is a top spot for Phnom Penh property investment. Many people want to rent homes here. This means homes often have renters, giving good income.
What's Next for BKK1?
BKK1 keeps growing. New, high-quality condo projects like J-Tower 3 and ODOM are coming. Road upgrades and other city improvements make the area even better. BKK1's growth should stay strong for the next five years.
What Makes IPS Cambodia Different?
As the top real estate company in Cambodia, our focus is on you.
- Expertise Since 2009: We know the real estate Cambodia Phnom Penh market deeply.
- Tenant Support: We work to find you the right home at the best terms.
- Full Relocation Help: We help you settle into Cambodia.
- Ongoing Help: Our support continues after you move in.
Tips for Your Rental Stay
- Make a List: Write down what your home needs (must-haves) and what would be nice (nice-to-haves).
- Let Us Negotiate: Our agent can help get a better rent price for you.
- Read Your Contract: Understand all the rules.
- Take Photos: Take pictures when you move in to show the home's condition.
Common Questions
What papers do I need to rent?
You need your passport and a valid Cambodian visa.
How do I pick a trustworthy agent?
Choose an established Phnom Penh real estate agency like IPS Cambodia. Look for a long history and professional methods. Our local real estate agents are here to help.
Begin Your Search
You now have full information to start looking for a home in BKK1.
The professional team at IPS Cambodia is ready to help you.
- Contact us to talk with an experienced rental property agent.
- Ask for a list of available condominiums.
- Schedule a visit to see these homes.
Condominium (Condo) for Rent in Chamkarmon
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest mistake first-time renters make in Phnom Penh?
The most common mistake is not doing a detailed inspection before signing the lease. This includes checking for water pressure, signs of pests, the condition of air conditioners, and any existing damage. At IPS Cambodia, our agents guide you through a thorough inspection and help document everything with photos to protect your security deposit.
Are the rental prices in BKK1 negotiable?
Yes, negotiation is a standard part of the rental process in Cambodia. Landlords are often willing to negotiate the monthly rent, especially for a one-year lease. A professional real estate agent from our team can handle these negotiations on your behalf to secure the best possible terms for you.
Besides rent, what are the real monthly living costs in a BKK1 condo?
On top of rent, budget for electricity, water, and internet.
- Electricity: This is the largest variable cost, usually $0.25 - $0.30 per kWh. For a 1-bedroom condo, expect 60−150 per month, depending heavily on your air conditioner usage.
- Water: Typically a smaller fee, around 5−20 per month.
- Internet: A high-speed fiber optic plan costs about 30−60 per month.
These are essential costs to consider when evaluating the real estate price list.
How do I handle maintenance issues or urgent repairs in my condo?
For urgent issues like a major water leak or a broken air conditioner, you should first contact the building's management office. They often have on-site maintenance staff. For non-urgent issues, contact your landlord directly or through your property agent. It is important to have these contact numbers saved when you move in.
What is a management fee, and is it included in the rent?
The management fee covers the upkeep of all common areas and facilities, including the pool, gym, security, and cleaning of the lobby. In almost all BKK1 condominiums, this fee is already included in the advertised monthly rental price. We always confirm this for you.
Can I rent a condo for less than one year?
The standard lease term is one year. Some landlords will consider a six-month lease, sometimes at a slightly higher monthly rent. Leases shorter than six months are rare for condos and are more common in serviced apartments.
How is my security deposit protected, and what causes deductions?
Your security deposit is held by the landlord as per the lease agreement. The main causes for deductions are unpaid utility bills at the end of your lease or damage to the property beyond normal wear and tear. A thorough move-in and move-out inspection with photos is the best way to protect your deposit.
What is the internet quality like in BKK1's top condo buildings?
BKK1 has excellent internet infrastructure. Most modern buildings are equipped with fiber optic connections from multiple providers like SINET, Ezecom, and Opennet. This allows for high-speed, reliable internet suitable for remote work and streaming. Some newer buildings even have specific provider infrastructure for the best performance.
Are pet-friendly condos in BKK1 hard to find?
While not all buildings allow pets, the number of pet-friendly condos is growing. There are specific buildings in BKK1 known for being welcoming to pets, though they may have rules on size or breed and sometimes require an additional "pet deposit." Our agents maintain an updated list of these properties.
What is the difference between a strata title and a hard title?
This is more relevant for Cambodia property investment, but good for tenants to know. A strata title is a legal ownership certificate for a unit within a larger co-owned building, like a condominium. It is the legal way for foreigners to own property in Cambodia. A hard title is the strongest form of land ownership, registered at the national level, and usually applies to land and landed properties.
As an expat, what is the most important clause to check in a rental contract?
The "Diplomatic Clause" (or early termination clause) is very important. This clause allows you to terminate the lease early without losing your full deposit if your employment is unexpectedly transferred out of the country. Not all contracts include this, but a good rental agent can often negotiate it for you.
How are utility bills paid in Phnom Penh?
Utility payments are typically made separately from your rent.
- Electricity & Water: You will receive a monthly bill from the building management or the utility company. You can usually pay this at the management office or through a mobile banking app.
- Internet: You pay your chosen internet provider directly each month.
What is the noise level really like in BKK1?
While BKK1 is a busy area, noise levels vary greatly. Buildings on main roads will experience more traffic noise. Buildings on smaller side streets (or "sois") are much quieter. The quality of a building's construction, especially its window glazing, also makes a big difference. During viewings, our agents can point out which units offer the most peace and quiet.
Are there any hidden costs I should be aware of?
IPS Cambodia operates with full transparency to avoid surprises. Potential costs that are sometimes overlooked include:
- A separate monthly fee for car or motorbike parking.
- A one-time fee for processing documents or making new access cards.
- The cost of professional cleaning when you move out, which is often required by landlords.
Why should I use a real estate agent instead of looking on my own?
Using a professional Cambodia real estate agent saves you time, provides market insight, and protects your interests. An experienced agent gives you access to a wider range of properties, handles all negotiations, and ensures your legal contract is fair and secure. As a top real estate company in Cambodia, our service provides you with expert guidance from your initial inquiry to the day you move in and beyond.