If you want to experience the vibrant and diverse life of Vietnam’s biggest city, Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon) is the place to be. It offers a rich mix of culture, commerce, and entertainment that draws millions of visitors and expats every year. Living in a shared apartment is a great option if you are planning to stay in Ho Chi Minh City for work, study, or leisure. A shared apartment is a type of accommodation where you rent a room in an apartment with other tenants, usually strangers or acquaintances. You share the common areas, such as the kitchen, living room, and bathroom, and split the cost of rent and utilities. A shared apartment can offer many benefits, such as

  • Saving money: Renting a shared apartment is usually cheaper than renting a whole apartment or a hotel room. You can also save on bills, groceries, and other expenses by sharing them with your roommates.
  • Making friends: Living in a shared apartment can help you meet new people and make friends with your roommates. You can also learn from their experiences, cultures, and perspectives.
  • Enjoying convenience: Finding a shared apartment can be easier and faster than finding a whole apartment or a house. You can also enjoy the convenience of having amenities and facilities nearby, such as shops, restaurants, bars, and public transport.
Precia double bedroom with city view

However, finding a shared apartment in Ho Chi Minh City can also be challenging, especially if you are new to the city or the country. You may face some difficulties below:

  • Finding a suitable location: Ho Chi Minh City is divided into 24 districts, each with its own characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. You may want to find a shared apartment that is close to your workplace, school, or other places of interest, but also within your budget and preferences.
  • Finding a reliable platform: There are many platforms and websites that offer shared apartments in Ho Chi Minh City, but not all of them are trustworthy or updated. You may encounter scams, frauds, or outdated listings that can waste your time and money.
  • Finding compatible roommates: Living in a shared apartment requires compatibility and cooperation with your roommates. You may want to find roommates who share your lifestyle, habits, interests, or values, but also respect your privacy, boundaries, and differences.

To help you overcome these challenges and find a shared apartment in Ho Chi Minh City that suits your needs and expectations, here are some tips and advice that you can follow:

Do your research

Before you start looking for a shared apartment in Ho Chi Minh City, you should do some research on the city and its districts. You should learn about the cost of living, the quality of life, the culture, the climate, and the safety of each area. You should also consider your own criteria, such as your budget, your preferences, your priorities, and your goals. You can use online resources, such as blogs, forums, guides, or reviews to get some information and insights from other expats or locals who have lived or are living in Ho Chi Minh City.

Once you have an idea of where and what you are looking for, you should use reputable platforms to find available shared apartments in Ho Chi Minh City. You should avoid platforms that are not verified, that have no reviews, or that ask for upfront payments or personal information. You should also compare different platforms and listings to find the best deals and options. Some of the most popular and reliable platforms that offer shared apartments in Ho Chi Minh City are:

  • Expat.com: This is a website that provides information and services for expats around the world. It has a section dedicated to housing in Ho Chi Minh City, where you can find shared apartments, houses, apartments, or rooms for rent. You can filter your search by price, location, size, or amenities. You can also contact the owners or agents directly through the website.
  • Nestpick: This is a website that aggregates furnished rentals from various platforms and websites. It has a section for rooms for rent in Ho Chi Minh City, where you can find shared apartments, studios, or apartments for rent. You can filter your search by price, location, size, or amenities. You can also book online through the website.

Communicate with the owners or agents

Use reputable platforms

After you have found some potential shared apartments in Ho Chi Minh City that match your criteria, you should communicate with the owners or agents to get more details and arrange a viewing. You should ask questions such as:

  • How long is the lease term?
  • How much is the rent and what does it include?
  • How much is the deposit and how is it refunded?
  • What are the rules and regulations of the apartment?
  • Who are the other roommates and what are their backgrounds?
  • What are the facilities and amenities of the apartment and the building?
  • What are the nearby attractions and services?

You should also be prepared to answer questions from the owners or agents, which include:

  • What is your purpose of living in Ho Chi Minh City?
  • How long do you plan to stay in the shared apartment?
  • What is your occupation and income?
  • What are your hobbies and interests?
  • What are your expectations and preferences for living in a shared apartment?

You should communicate clearly, politely, and honestly with the owners or agents, and avoid any misunderstandings or conflicts. You should also confirm the availability, price, and conditions of the shared apartment before making any commitments or payments.

Visit the shared apartment in person

Before you sign any contract or pay any deposit, you should visit the shared apartment in person to check its condition, location, and suitability. You should also meet the other roommates and see if you get along with them. Here are something you should pay attention to:

  • The cleanliness, maintenance, and security of the apartment and the building
  • The size, layout, furniture, and equipment of the room and the common areas
  • The noise, light, ventilation, and temperature of the room and the apartment
  • The accessibility, convenience, and safety of the neighborhood
  • The compatibility, friendliness, and respectfulness of the roommates

It is important to take photos or videos of the shared apartment as proof of its condition before you move in. You should also request a written contract that outlines the terms and conditions of the rent, for example:

  • The name and contact details of the owner or agent
  • The address and description of the shared apartment
  • The duration and renewal of the lease
  • The amount and frequency of the rent and the deposit
  • The inclusion and exclusion of utilities and services
  • The rules and responsibilities of the tenants
  • The procedures and penalties for termination or breach of contract

Read the contract carefully and make sure you understand everything before you sign it. You should also keep a copy of the contract for your reference.

Enjoy your shared apartment in Ho Chi Minh City

Finding a shared apartment in Ho Chi Minh City can be a rewarding experience that can enhance your life in many ways. However, it can also be a challenging process that requires research, communication, and preparation. By following these tips and advice, you may find one that suits your needs and expectations. And remember, you can always use Roomio to find your perfect second home.