Renting

Your Dominican Republic Property

Many of our buyers chose to use their properties as rentals when they are not in the DR. Renting and the ability to have a DR property pay for itself often makes owning possible. If you are planning on using your condo or villa for just a few months per year, then renting may be for you.

The Dominican Republic is the Caribbean’s leading tourist destination with a strong base and continued strong arrivals and growth. Yearly, the Ministry of Tourism invests over 45 million dollars on international promotion. The DR tops over five million tourists each year.

For our buyers who want to rent their condo or villa, this means occupancy rates between 20-90% over the course of the year (depending on location, type of property, decorating, etc.) and nightly rates from $80 – $500/US a per night.

Where Do You Start?

Many condo and villa developments have on-site rental management programs and cater to owners who are not in residence. Dominican Republic Properties works with several developers and companies that offer this type of product.

If you choose to buy a property in an area that does not provide this service, then there are several reputable property management companies in the area. Please let us know and we will be happy to put you in touch with one of them, as well as provide information about how their programs work. In addition, companies like AirBnB have made a dramatic impact on the holiday market around the world. We suggest that owners also utilize these types of vacaton marketing avenues and funnel renters through their local DR management company. This provides double marketing, but still no work for the owner.

Part of our service is to advise you on which properties will make the best rentals, how much they will rent for on a daily or monthly basis. You should be aware of all the charges you will need to cover with your property such as maintenance and condo charges and the rental agent’s fees.

We are here to assist with explaining rental in more detail, as well as ensuring you get your rental set up and earning income.

Setting Up For Rental

Turnkey

Every rental company has a minimum list of what is necessary to place your property in their rental program. Below is a general list:

Furniture: living room suite; dining room suite; small table and chairs for outside patio or terrace; if you have a pool, then pool chairs, a bed and night stands in each bedroom;
Appliances: fridge, stove, microwave, blender, toaster, coffee maker; washer; BBQ
Kitchenware: dinner set for four-eight persons; glasses and coffee mugs; wine glasses; silverware serving spoons; spatula; pancake flipper, wisk; plastic bowls for serving; plastic juice container; colander; set of pots and pans; frying pan; can opener; drainboard; paper towel holder
Linens: 2 sets of sheets for each bed; towels for four-eight persons; washcloths; hand towels; dish rags; dish towels; oven mitts; placemats; shower curtains (if necessary)
Audio/Video/Computer: tv in the great room (many developments want tv’s in every bedroom) ; Ipod docking station; modem for Internet; tv receiver for cable (if necessary); possible Amazon Alexa or other

Don’t buy the high end furniture package.

Renters must pay for any damage to your unit, but wear and tear on furniture is to be expected and will happen over time. We always suggest to buy sturdy furniture, with removable covers for washing.

But how to accomplish all this in a new country? We have many clients that have chosen to spend the time and energy to do all their own shopping. There are lots of really good furniture and department stores in the area. Another option is to just let a decorator take over the whole job. We can recommend a decorator that will work within your budget.

Should I decorate well?
Yes!! The better your property looks, and the more it feels like home, the better it will rent. You will have repeat renters and word of mouth clients that you otherwise would not have had. Again, a decorator will have the right “eye” and know the best way to add warmth, character and tropical feel to a space, while sticking to budget. They will also know where to buy those specialty items like decorations, artwork, coordinating pillows/fabrics etc. Most clients find using a decorator alleviates stress and brings about a coordinated, beautiful result.

What little “extras” can I do?

Provide a guest book for renters to sign. This shows community and it’s fun reading for you and them.
Ensure your place is kept spotless. Most management companies have great cleaning, but make sure the little things are being done.
Provide a blow dryer in the main bath
Really nice, fluffy towels
Leave a list of restaurant delivery places on the fridge door
Offer excursions if the management company doesn’t
Airport pick up and drop off

What can I do to save money?

Put your air conditioners on a timer. Renters love to turn it on and go to the beach.
Put in an on demand hot water heater. Saves money over the electric kind.
Try a solar pool pump, and solar hot water heater

What Kind of Costs?

Condo/subdivision fee: monthly fees in a condo are usually less than those in a villa.
Cleaning and yard/pool upkeep: if your property is rented, tenants will expect daily cleaning service and in the case of a house, your yard and pool must be maintained. There is no pool/garden fee in a condo (it’s built into the condo fee) and electricity is generally less because a pool pump is not running.
Utilities: most developments have onsite facilities to pay your bills for you. If not, a management company can handle the collection and payment of monthly expenses.
Maintenance and repairs: costs associated with replacing appliances, dishes, towels, bedding, etc., as well as upkeep of the property. Many developments have onsite staff to handle painting, electrical issues, plumbing problems, etc.
Insurance: dependent on value of property and how much you want to insure contents for. Generally a $200,000 US villa will be about $1,400 US/year.

Approximate, Monthly/Yearly Costs

Subdivision/Condo Fee: $150-$400 US
- Includes security, back-up power, garbage collection, maintenance of common ares, sometimes gas, cable, internet)
Rental Management Costs: 20% of short term rental income, 15% of long term rental income (over one month generally)
Cable: $30-$100 US for a general/upgraded channel package
Housekeeping: $50-$300 US. Dependent on level of service/number of days per week of service/size of property)
Electricity: a general rule is $50-$100/month per bedroom if a rental unit
Internet: Can be a separate cost $20-50 US, dependent on package
Insurance: $500-$1,800 US/year. Dependent on property value.