Housing.....bit of advice.

Hi,

If it is  in Asilah City center that it is "ok" for a 1 bedroom flat. I am saying ok, as Asilah's  living cost is less than Tangier and is only "alive" in summer let's say, so you can still (if you want to and if the landlord agrees) reduce the rental price a little bit.

with regards to the formalities, you should not be surprised if the landlord refuses to establish a contract, because generally they try to avoid income taxes. You insist to have it, or at least any agreement between you that is to be legalized at the town hall (the signatures in Morocco are not legally binding until it is certified by an officer at the town hall supported by your ID/Passport) and you should ask for evidence that the person "owns" this property, because it happened that people who were not owners nor agent of properties, rented without the permission of the real owner.

and finally you have to be able to read french or be accompanied by someone who reads french or arabic as these are the languages in which any official documents will be issued or drafted.

Hope this helps!

Good luck

I forgot a point, some town hall officers may refuse to legalize the lease contract based on your condition of non-resident, you try to convince them that you need this contract to settle your situation and apply for residency in Morocco, if it does not succeed, look for another town hall or legalization office, there is one per area normally.

I suppose that you know, that once in Morocco you and to avoid being in an irregular situation vis-à-vis immigration authorities, you  have to leave the country every 3 months, you can apply for your residency card in the meanwhile (if you intend to).

Thank you so much for your reply,

Yes..I have heard about people renting properties out when they do not own them...which is a worry! I will insist on some sort of contract that will be legalised.

Thanks again.