When renting a property in Oman there is a choice of apartments and villas and these can be situated both in and out of secure estates. Over recent years there has been a great deal of residential development in the country and this has increased the amount of rental property available.

Development is continual in the country and it may be that if you are living near a building site that you will find it is in operation 24 hours a day. This means that you have to take the noise and dust pollution into consideration when deciding where to live.

International corporations that are recruiting foreign workers may include accommodation as part of the benefits package, but if you have to find your own accommodation there should be somebody on the staff at work to help you with all the details and who can point you in the right direction. Relocation to a country with a completely different culture can be difficult and some companies have a member of staff whose job it is to help newcomers settle.

Expats tend to have their own communities in Oman. The Omani people are very welcoming to those who respect their culture but there is not much social integration.

When renting an apartment or villa you need to decide what kind of facilities you would like. Most apartment blocks will have a laundry room, some are equipped with gyms and swimming pools, but it should be remembered that the more facilities you have the more you will have to pay in rent. The majority of property is rented unfurnished although it is possible to find some furnished properties, although this will increase the rent too.

Rental costs vary on location, property size and facilities available. For a basic one bedroom apartment which is unfurnished you may pay the equivalent of 750 – 1000 US dollars per month, whereas a three bedroom villa can cost the equivalent of $2000 per month. For a furnished property you can expect to add 25% onto these prices.

Included in rental costs may be some utility charges such as air conditioning and gas (if there is a communal tank). Water rates are often charged as part of the electricity bill and there may be a tax payable to the local authorities for community services such as refuse collection. The lease you sign should detail exactly what you are expected to pay for each month and will tell you if your landlord has any responsibility for certain charges.

Leases can be both short and long term, but most people will have a one year renewable lease. Deposits and security bonds are both payable and the amount will vary depending upon the length of the lease and the amount you pay in rent.