Apartments in Guam

What You need to know about renting an apartment in Guam

If you are looking to rent apartments or condos on Guam there are a few things you need to be prepared for. Most apartment and condo rentals require the first month’s rent and security deposit up front. You will also need to be prepared for the costs associated to hook up your utilities. Power and water hookups are the areas of most concern, as the Landlord will require that you get these accounts transferred in your name before they will release the keys to you.

1. Utility Security Deposits

There are 2 types of utility security deposits

• Power
• Water

Power Security Deposit

Depending on how many rooms and the number of air-conditioning units apartments in Guam has will determine the cost of the security deposit to hook-up the power.The security deposit for the power is held for a period of one year and can be re-reimbursed upon your request after the course of one year, provided that you do not have any outstanding bills. The security deposit can be applied to your last month’s power bill and any remaining amount will go back to you.

Water Security Deposit

The security deposit to hookup your water is a nominal fee and is processed in the same way as the power. The water company will assess the amount of the security deposit based on one of two factors, which is whether or not your unit is hooked up to a septic tank or main sewer line.

2. What to Bring

Now that you have found where you want to stay and you have your lease signed and accepted by the landlord, you will need to take your

1. Lease
2. a map to the property
3. picture ID (driver’s license, passport, or military ID)
4. authorization letter to apply/transfer for utilities signed by the landlord/agent to the water and power company to begin the process of ensuring your apartment/condo has the basic amenities to live comfortably.

3. When to hookup

Prepare to get your utilities hooked up three days before move-in to ensure ample time for any delays in processing your application for utilities. Allow no more than three hours of your day to get these items taken care of.

4. How Painful is it?

It’s generally a painless process so long as you arrive prepared, coupled with free smiles and a large amount of patience.

5. Help from your Agent

Many real estate agents can take care of this errand on your behalf when renting apartments in Guam, so long as you provide the agent with an authorization letter allowing the agent to apply on your behalf. In most cases the agent provides this service free of charge. If you find an agent willing to do this on your behalf thank them dearly, as they have just allowed you more time go shopping for your new place.

6. How To Pay

Best forms of payment include cash, personal checks, credit cards, and debit cards. If you can help it, it would work in your favor to arrive as early as possible to the agencies as they are usually busiest during the later half of the day. Also keep in mind that the agencies are typically open only on Monday through Friday so plan accordingly.

7. More Info

For more information on hooking up utilities for your apartment in Guam:

• www.guampowerauthority.com
• www.guamwaterworks.org .