Moving to the City: The Ultimate 8-Step Guide to Renting a Property in Manila

November 7,2025

Relocating to Metro Manila is an exhilarating leap. One minute you're wrapping up life in one place; the next you're navigating a metropolis alive with opportunities, cafés, skyline views, and endless urban rhythm. But for many who are moving to the city for the first time—or even just moving into a new condo—the process of renting in Manila can feel overwhelming. What's the right budget? Which district fits your lifestyle? What legal measures should you know? This step-by-step guide walks you through everything you need to know to rent a condo in Manila with confidence.

Step 1: Clarify Your Budget Before You Go Looking

The first stage of renting a condo in Manila is understanding your financial reality. Rent is only part of the cost. Other expenses such as association dues, utilities, parking fees, and maintenance charges can add up—and many first-time renters underestimate them. For example, one local guide points out that security deposits typically range from one-to-three months' rent, plus at least one month of advance payment. (RichestPH, 2025) Take time to tally your monthly income, current expenses (transport, groceries, entertainment), and then determine how much you can comfortably allocate for housing. By doing that, you'll avoid the shock of extra costs after you're settled.

Step 2: Choose a Location Aligned with Your Daily Flow

The neighbourhood you choose in Manila will have a massive impact on your daily quality of life. If your workplace, gym or favourite cafés are far away, you'll end up spending hours commuting. One guide emphasises that location isn't just about status—it's about utility and efficiency. (RichestPH, 2025) Look for proximity to public transport, avoid heavy-traffic access routes, and pick a neighbourhood where your routines (work, brunch, evening unwind) are within reach. Because in Manila, where travel time can vary wildly, location equals convenience.

Step 3: Understand Your Legal Rights and Lease Terms

Before you sign anything, it's crucial to know your legal standing. Philippine law protects tenants under the Rent Control Act of 2009—applicable to certain properties and contexts. (Moneymax, 2020) More broadly, your lease contract is the roadmap of your tenancy: the rent, term, maintenance responsibilities, visitor rules, and deposit terms should all be clear. A guide urges tenants to review condo house rules and regular fees before committing. (Lamudi Journal, 2024) Don't sign a contract unless everything is transparent. Ask for ownership verification, building rules copy, and clarify costs for any additional fees.

Step 4: Search for Units and Schedule Viewings

With budget and location locked in, it's time to view properties. Lean on credible portals, local agents and ward off potential scams. As one Reddit thread cautioned: verify ownership, meet the landlord or agent in person and skip deals that seem too casual or quick. (Reddit r/Philippines_Expats, 2024) When you inspect a unit, look beyond décor: check ventilation, noise level, lift speed, and how the building handles waste, deliverables and visitors. Make sure the common areas match the photos and ask questions about building policies and operational costs.

Step 5: Negotiate and Sign the Lease

Once you've found your unit, it's time to negotiate. Standard lease terms in Manila tend toward twelve months, with advance rent and deposit required. (EasyCondoRental, 2022) Ensure your contract includes the exact amount, payment schedule, what’s included in the rent (association dues, utilities, etc.), and the conditions for renewal or termination. Check for any clause that allows the landlord to raise rent beyond legal limits or act without notice. Document the unit's condition with photos; faulty air-conditioning or leaks noted now will prevent problems when you move out.

Step 6: Prepare to Move In

After signing, you're nearing move-in. Budget for moving costs, internet setup, electricity/water transfer, and welcome fees the building may impose. One resource highlights that long-term stays give negotiation power—and claiming that many like to lease at least a year to settle smoothly. (EasyCondoRental, 2022) Set up your new home by knowing the building's rules: visitor policy, parking access, trash disposal, and even quiet-hours. Being organised from Day One means you'll occupy your new place without surprises.

Step 7: Make Your Rental Feel Like Home

Once you've moved in, it's time to live well. Use the amenities available (pool, lounge, gym) and explore your neighbourhood. Create routines—morning coffee nearby, evening strolls, weekend visits to local markets. A guide for first-time renters emphasises researching the developer and management so you know you're in good hands. (RichestPH, 2025) Stay organised: maintain records of payments, keep images of the unit's condition, and build friendly relationships with the building staff and neighbours. Rented or owned, your place becomes home when you engage with it.

Step 8: Plan Ahead and Stay Flexible

Even as a tenant, your rental can be strategic. You may stay one year, two years or more—but life changes fast. Perhaps you'll need a larger space, relocate for work, or travel often. One guide recommends balancing a lease term that works for your future while avoiding long-term commitments you're not ready for. (U-Property PH, 2025) Keep an eye on renewal terms, potential rent increases, and note how the building responds to maintenance requests and tenant needs. Good service and communication signal you're in a stable property environment.

Final Thoughts

Moving into a condo in Metro Manila is more than finding a place to sleep—it's choosing to plug into the rhythm of a city that's awake at dawn and alive at midnight. The right rental unit becomes your vantage point for discovery, both in daylight and after dusk.

When you rent with intention, you unlock flexibility, community, and possibility. It's not just about square metres or monthly payments—it's about lifestyle, location, and living with ease. A well-chosen condo gives you coffee walks at sunrise, rooftop pool dips after work, easy rides home after dinner, and peace of mind from security and building management you trust.

For first-time renters, the journey begins by budgeting wisely, choosing your neighbourhood smartly, understanding your lease thoroughly, and treating your rental like a home as much as a contract. And when you do it right, your condo becomes more than a stopover—it becomes the centre of your urban story in Manila. So unpack your boxes, explore your surrounds, make your routines, and settle in. This time, you're not just renting—you're arriving.