Hi We are moving to Qatar in January and having never lived outside Canada we are wondering what the pros and cons of compound vs non compound living are? Is it necessary to live in a compound?
Thanks
For independent accommodation it is between you and the landlord. The landlord is expected to hand you accommodation in good condition and ensure the upkeep. There's a contract and it will include all details.
However landlords are landlords. If an A/C stops working and it came with the place the lanlord should fix it. But will he do it quickly enough. Will he claim abuse?
Compounds have a maintenance budget and many have their own maintenance staff who should be on call all the time.
If I were to rent independent accommodation I'd prefer to rent from a landlord who rents many such properties rather than just the odd 1 or 2.
e46M3 - you mention that one of the advantages in a compound is that all maintenance, etc is for the landlord. Does this then imply that in a stand alone villa you, the tenent, are responsible for the building? This sounds a bit odd to me.
Could you or somebody please explain the responsibilities of landlords vs tenents in general.
Living in a compound has the following advantages:
All home maintenance costs are taken care of by the management.
You have facilities (usually) like a gym, swimming pool, club-house and a playground for kids.
You have gate "security" who are underpaid, underfed and undermotivated but will usually keep an eye who comes into and leaves the compound.
You see your neighbors, although that's not always an advantage.
An independent villa is just the opposite. You basically have your independence and no curious neighbors. These are also larger than villas in compounds.
I know a few Westerners living in independent villas and they're happy with the experience.
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good comments - Food For Thought.
Thanks
For independent accommodation it is between you and the landlord. The landlord is expected to hand you accommodation in good condition and ensure the upkeep. There's a contract and it will include all details.
However landlords are landlords. If an A/C stops working and it came with the place the lanlord should fix it. But will he do it quickly enough. Will he claim abuse?
Compounds have a maintenance budget and many have their own maintenance staff who should be on call all the time.
If I were to rent independent accommodation I'd prefer to rent from a landlord who rents many such properties rather than just the odd 1 or 2.
e46M3 - you mention that one of the advantages in a compound is that all maintenance, etc is for the landlord. Does this then imply that in a stand alone villa you, the tenent, are responsible for the building? This sounds a bit odd to me.
Could you or somebody please explain the responsibilities of landlords vs tenents in general.
Thanks - sa_japie
Living in a compound has the following advantages:
All home maintenance costs are taken care of by the management.
You have facilities (usually) like a gym, swimming pool, club-house and a playground for kids.
You have gate "security" who are underpaid, underfed and undermotivated but will usually keep an eye who comes into and leaves the compound.
You see your neighbors, although that's not always an advantage.
An independent villa is just the opposite. You basically have your independence and no curious neighbors. These are also larger than villas in compounds.
I know a few Westerners living in independent villas and they're happy with the experience.