Egypt » Rental Market

If you decide to let, quality furnished flats are much sought-after. Electricity and gas are paid at odd intervals and they come to your door. They check your meter and then charge you on the spot. This is usually not more than a few pounds, cheaper than one would expect. The phone service is something to be discussed with the landlord. 

This too is not an expensive service but it is paid twice a year so depending on your lease you will have to make arraignments with your landlord about when to pay it with the rent. Ask your landlord when the billing periods are for the phone. Do not be fooled into paying for the entire billing period if you move in the middle, as it will probably include calls made by the previous tenant who, no doubt, was already charged for it.

The Egyptian bowab is like a superintendent, doorman, security guard and concierge all in one. Almost every building in Cairo has at least one bowab and he (or she) manages the affairs of the building for the landlords that own the actual flats. A bowab can be helpful in locating a flat once you decide on a specific area. You will have to pay the bowab a monthly wage anyway, aside from your rent.

This is usually a low fee that is payable directly to the bowab around the first of the month. It goes towards his continued politeness and services throughout the month. Garbage pick up is another cost.