Wise tips for boardinghouse hunters in Jakarta

JAKARTA (JP): You finally landed your dream job, that coveted one destined to lead on a career path to success and glory.

A pothole lies ahead to throw all the best laid plans asunder.

Distance. Home is in another part of the city, and commuting to and fro would be a big waste of time, energy and money. Jakarta's infamous traffic jams are never time or nerve friendly.

An option is to find a boarding house, with many to choose from in Jakarta, close to work. Official data shows there were 21,743 boarding houses in Jakarta last year, with the number of unregistered boarding houses more than double the amount.

But more choices do not make for an easier decision.

Here are a few tips on how to choose the perfect boarding house for your particular needs.

It is always better to know what you want. The person who goes to a grocery store without having a list usually ends up spending more time and money than better prepared shoppers.

Jot down your priorities for a boarding house.

These may include a convenient location, privacy, safety, cleanliness and health aspects such as ventilation, quiet, space, facilities and price.

For most of us, the move to a boarding house is made for convenience in getting to work. This is especially important for those who do not own vehicles. If there are no places close to the office, then an area within easy access of public transportation is best.

Next, pay attention to the surrounding community. Does it have a familiar, secured environment? Would you feel safe walking alone in the neighborhood after dark?

A veteran of the boarding house scene says he questions the owner of the boarding house about other occupants, such as their occupations and their age range, to give him a general overview of what the environment is like. A house of predominantly office employees is likely to be more subdued than one teeming with university students.

Decide in the beginning whether you prefer a single sex or coed boarding house.

Ask about house rules. Some places have strict rules including night curfew and no stay-over guests, while others adopt an "anything goes" attitude. The bottom line is to find a place that suits your lifestyle.

Some people prefer a more familiar place, with a live-in owner of the house, while others prefer privacy, removed from prying from the boarding house owner or supervisor, or other lodgers.

Check out the facilities.

Inspect the kitchen and bathrooms (how many people will you have to share with?), and note whether the rooms have chairs, desk, closets and other basic furniture. Get a firm answer on whether the dining room, telephone, television and parking space or garage permitted for use by house occupants.

If you have friends who own vehicles, you need a house that provides spacious parking space for when they visit. Parking lots at some boarding houses can hardly accommodate the residents' cars, much less their visitors on weekend nights.

How much time would you spend in your new place? Would you be there at breakfast, lunch or dinner? Determine if the house is close to restaurants or food stalls, or whether it provides catering service. Locate nearby stores or markets.

Don't assume that laundry is part of the monthly fee. Some boarding houses offer free laundry and ironing service, but others charge their residents.

Boarding house fees vary markedly in different areas; Central Jakarta's office district is lower than residential South Jakarta.

Consult with people who live or have lived in boarding houses. Word of mouth is probably just as good as the information services which provide the price ranges of boarding houses in different areas.

Finally, after ticking off all the priorities and preferences, your dream boarding house is before you. Time to give your new landlord the monthly rental fee, right?

Not so fast.

Ask the prospective landlord about the payment system. Is there a particular monthly payment date, and can this be adjusted to your own payday. Will there be a discount provided if payment is made six months or a year in advance? Or is this required?

Some landlords also have a contract, stipulating different house rules and regulations, while others rely on verbal contracts.

Paying in advance could lead to big headaches later on if you decide to move out before the contract ends. Make sure you fully understand the lease agreement (if there is one) and do not hesitate to get clarification on those parts which seem vague.

Now that the list is all checked, contract signed and money paid, pack your things and move in. A new life in the boarding house beckons with unforgettable and, hopefully, pleasant experiences.