myTobago – your questions, review and comment about Tobago

What are the law regarding renting a place in Tobago for non-citizens (wihtout a work permit or such of course)?
I understand the "buying" laws are still iffty.


Sebastian.

Hi Sebastian,

You can rent, that's fine! Immigration issues aside (assuming you don't have residency?!), there's nothing to stop you from renting. Long term rentals are few and far between though, so it's worth looking before you arrive and possibly speaking to an Estate Agent. Through personal experience, I'd suggest that (at least the first time!) you first rent through an Agent anyway. That way you have the back up of a company in the event that there are any problems.

Good luck!
Lisa.

Thanks Lisa for your answer.

Do you also know of any well established agencies and/or companies?

There are several good estate agents on the island, but as a first option, I'd suggest Rachael at Almandoz Real Estate or Kim and Natalie at Caribbean Estates. I'm sure they can point you in the right direction! Their web-sites are http://www.almandoz-tobago.com and http://www.realestatetobago.com, although having just checked the websites to make sure I'd given you the right address, I've just noticed that neither list long term rentals! I'm guessing you'd have to physically ask them the question. You may find that you need to get a short term rental just to get you here and then ask around and check the local papers when you're actually here. Long term rentals get pounced on quite quickly, so word of mouth tends to be the best way to find them, but you need to physically be here to check out that it's what you want! There are some great finds for long term rental - we've been very lucky, - but everyones' ideas of what they want is, obviously, very different!

Let me know if you need anything else at all!

Lisa.

a lot of rentals are "word of mouth" is definitely what ive found. depending on what type of accom you need/want and your budget id agree that youll know a lot more if you can get on island and then start asking around. the properties going via agents seemed to be almost all high end with rates to match.

it was worth our while checking into a smaller guest house/hotel for 4 weeks whilst we looked around first time we rented. negotiated a significant discount on the rack rate for a long booking even in season.

id also advise to not ignore the classifieds ads either, ive rented 2 great apartments long term from here.

paul

Sebastian, it wasn't clear from your note just how long a rental period you were interested in. My wife rented an apartment in Tobago for 8 months via Pat Phillips from Island Investments http://islreal.com/, so even though real estate agents in Tobago tend to focus on property sales and short term (holiday) rentals, they often know property owners who would be willing to rent on a longer-term basis. I also fully endorse the suggestion about looking around when you are on-island.
Clyde

Thanks for your information.

Well, actually I was looking for something like a year long-term. Surely not something like 4 weeks.

I just checked the websites too but they aren't too clear, so I guess checking it out being on the Island indeed would be best.


Sebastian

Best bet - send all the real estate agents emails asking about availability of properties for long term rental, but don't commit until you are on-island!
Clyde

sorry, i meant we booked accom for 4 weeks whilst looking around for a long term let. erm, 2 years ago.

ive found that rentals sourced privately tend to be a lot more flexible btw. i cant recall having even seen a contract, pay in cash to owner or at the bank etc etc. months notice either side seems to be standard.

also, advertised prices in local press have always been negotiable in my experience - try to get utilities included or cable thrown in etc. its quite difficult to arrange these things yourself so enquire of the owner or agent before deciding on a place. as an example, i cant get a landline yet (6 months and waiting)as im in a new build and there are no numbers to allocate is what i think im being told

paul