Renter guide

Everything you need to rent with confidence

Short, practical advice from the Nest team, written for renters in Metro Manila and across the Philippines.

Budgeting Avoiding scams Viewings Your lease Move-in day

01 · Budgeting

Know the real move-in cost

Most Philippine rentals ask for one month advance plus two months deposit, so plan for about three months of rent up front. Each Nest listing shows its own advance and deposit terms.

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The 30% rule

Try to keep rent at or below about 30% of your monthly take-home pay, leaving room for utilities and transport.

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Ask about utilities

Check whether electricity, water, internet and association dues are included or billed separately.

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Pick your date early

Popular units book up. Choose an open date on the listing’s calendar and apply before you need to move.

02 · Safety

How to avoid rental scams

Scammers copy real listings and ask for a reservation fee before you have seen the place. Nest is designed so you never have to take that risk.

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Pay only after the lease is signed

Do not send a reservation fee to a stranger. On Nest you pay only after your application is approved and you have both signed the lease, using the landlord’s GCash QR shown in the app.

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Watch the video tour

Real, recent room-by-room clips are hard to fake. Compare them with what you see at the viewing.

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Keep chats on Nest

Messages in the Nest inbox give you a record of what was agreed, and keep your number private.

Read: 7 signs of a fake listing

03 · Viewings

What to check at a viewing

✓Water pressure and hot water in the shower
✓Signs of leaks or damp on ceilings and under sinks
✓Phone signal and internet options in the unit
✓Aircon condition and when it was last cleaned
✓Building security, guards and visitor rules
✓Noise from the street at the time you would sleep
✓Locks on doors and windows
✓Take photos of any existing damage

04 · Your lease

Read it before you sign it

Nest leases are written in plain language and every clause is shown before you sign with a one-time code. Pay special attention to:

Term and renewal

How long the lease runs, and how much notice either side must give to end or renew it.

Deposit return

When the deposit is returned after move-out and what can be deducted from it.

House rules

Pets, guests, cooking, smoking and quiet hours. If it is not in writing, ask.

05 · Move-in day

Pay, get your receipt, get your keys

Pay the move-in to your landlord’s GCash QR in Nest and add the reference number. Once they confirm it arrived, you both get an e-receipt, and the landlord marks the keys as handed over. Monthly rent works the same way, with a receipt every month.

See the full application process

Start your search

Verified listings, video tours, no fees, and an e-receipt for every payment.

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