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Renting a flat: what to ask the landlord
How to say you're looking for a flat, what to ask at a viewing, and what you'll hear about the deposit and contract.
In Egypt people often find a flat through friends and brokers, and then settle things with the landlord in person. A few phrases in Masri help at the viewing and later, when something needs sorting out.
What you're looking for
Badawwar 3ala sha22a mafroosha — I'm looking for a furnished flat. Unfurnished is mish mafroosha.
What to ask at the viewing
- kam oda? — how many rooms?
- fi asanseer? — is there a lift?
- momken adfa3 kol shahr? — can I pay monthly?
- momken a2abel sa7eb el sha22a? — can I meet the owner?
What you'll hear
Most of the talk will be about the deposit, ta2meen, and the length of the contract, 3a2d. For example: el ta2meen shahrein — the deposit is two months' rent.
The bawwab
Many buildings in Cairo have a bawwab, a doorman who sits by the entrance, knows every resident and takes in deliveries. It pays to meet him on your first day: he'll know where to find a repairman, the nearest pharmacy and who in the building has a flat to let.
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