Deposits and utility charges for rentals in Cambodia

In 3 bullets

• Standard deposit: 2 months of rent (sometimes 1 or 3) paid at signing, plus the 1st month upfront.
• Water and electricity: official EDC (electricity) and PPWSA (Phnom Penh water) rates, but many landlords bill at a mark-up — require original invoices.
• Deposit return: often partial, with sometimes opaque deductions. Protect yourself via dated inventory + photos + repair invoices.

Concerned audience

Every expat tenant (short or long-stay) facing deposit and ongoing-charges questions.

Indicative cost

Deposit

• 12-month lease: 2 months standard deposit.
• 6-month lease: 1 month deposit common.
• High-end villa: 3 months deposit sometimes required.

Typical monthly charges

How to verify charges

Water (PPWSA Phnom Penh)

• Official residential rate PPWSA: ~ 0.15 USD/m³ for standard use.
• Individual meter: ideal — you pay the original PPWSA invoice, dated and stamped.
• Collective meter: the landlord splits. Request the copy of the global invoice + split key.
• Flat rate: avoid — disconnected from real rate.

Electricity (EDC)

• Official residential rate EDC: ~ 0.18 USD/kWh (tiered by consumption).
• Individual meter: you pay the original EDC invoice.
• Collective meter: the landlord splits (often at a 30-50% higher rate).
• Check the meter monthly: compare landlord-declared consumption with physical reading.

Internet

• Ezecom, SINET, Online: 15-30 USD/month for 30-100 Mbps.
• Included in rent: convenient but check the advertised speed is delivered.
• Shared connection: common in shared flats or small buildings — variable quality.

How to protect yourself

Moving in

1. Meter readings (water + electricity) at entry date, photographed and dated.
2. Detailed inventory with photos of each room, dated.
3. List of existing defects signed by both parties.
4. Dated deposit receipt signed by the landlord (seal if applicable).

During the lease

• Keep original EDC / PPWSA invoices each month.
• Photograph meters quarterly.
• Keep invoices of all repairs made (useful to defend deposit return).

Moving out

1. Written notice sent to the landlord within deadlines (1-2 months per lease).
2. Final meter readings + last invoices settled.
3. Exit inventory with comparative photos.
4. Written deposit-return request (by email or WhatsApp, keep proof).
5. Follow-up: return usually takes 1 to 4 weeks.

Common pitfalls

FAQ

Does the deposit earn interest?

No, not in practice in Cambodia. It’s a plain deposit, sometimes kept in cash by the landlord (practice to avoid — prefer a traceable transfer).

What if the deposit isn’t returned?

1. Follow up in writing (email, WhatsApp with acknowledgment).
2. Request detail of deductions backed by invoices.
3. Agency mediation if it intervened at signing.
4. Judicial recourse: possible but long and costly. Often disproportionately lost.

Can the landlord bill me for repainting after I leave?

For normal wear (faded paint after 12 months), no. For visible damage (holes, stains, deterioration), yes, on quote. The entry inventory + justified photos decide disputes.

How to estimate my electricity bill before moving in?

• Studio without AC: 15-30 USD/month.
• Studio with AC (8h/day): 50-100 USD/month.
• 2-bed with AC 24/7: 100-200 USD/month.
• Villa with pool + several ACs: 150-400 USD/month.

Can the landlord raise charges mid-lease?

No if they are fixed by the lease (price clause). If the lease provides “water and electricity at cost”, then the cost varies with consumption and EDC/PPWSA rate — not by arbitrary landlord decision.