LIFE IN YOUR NEW HOME

Humidity and air conditioning

Air conditioners are a prerequisite for comfortable living during the summer months and many rental apartments are ready-fitted. Most people also find it worthwhile to invest in at least one dehumidifier, which can be kept running throughout the humid months from March to September. Their main function is to prevent clothes, books and leather, etc. from rotting, but they can also be used to dry out damp clothes.

Furniture leasing

An alternative to shipping your furniture out to Hong Kong or buying lots of new furniture when you get here is to lease, particularly if you plan to stay in Hong Kong for only a short time. Companies leasing furniture include Home Essentials (22/F, Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau, tel. 2870 1400; www.homeessentials.org) and Indigo Expressive Living (6/F, Horizon Plaza; tel. 2555 0540; www.indigo-living.com). The OPTIONS website includes a quotation service based on your online selection of furnishings; modern, contemporary, basic, ‘East meets West’ and Asian styles are available.

For details of where to buy furniture, refer to Chapter Seven (‘Shopping’).

Painting and decorating

Your apartment will probably have been newly painted in advance of the start of your rental, but if it hasn’t, feel free to ask the landlord to give it a lick of paint. If you need anything else installing, for example shelves or light fittings, ask your landlord to help you arrange for a workman to do this for you. This will usually be a lot cheaper than finding an expatriate workman, but agree the price before the work starts. If your landlord doesn’t speak English, then ask the property agent to help you find a local workman. Expat-oriented companies providing maintenance and home services include Winkle Design & Decoration (tel. 2554 1269) and Alan Engineering Co. (tel. 2887 6638). Other companies advertise in Dollarsaver (www.dollarsaver.com.hk).

Locking yourself out

Emergency locksmiths serving Hong Kong Island and Kowloon include the 24-Hour Open Lock Service Centre. The Fair & Good Security Locks Centre (tel. 2498 1777) serves the New Territories. Expect to pay a few hundred dollars. Mr Locksmith (tel. 2887 6638) can also open doors, make keys and increase security.

Maintenance of your apartment

Over the course of time, you may discover patches of mould spreading over the wall, the roof may start to leak during the typhoon season, the toilet flush may break down, the shower fixture may spring a leak or the air conditioner may play up. More serious problems may also occur, such as the hot water tank exploding. Generally speaking, when equipment such as the hot water tank breaks down, it will be your responsibility to fix it; but for structural problems, your landlord should take responsibility. Some landlords, of course, are sweeties and will help to fix anything for you for minimal or no cost. You should always report leaks and rotting to the landlord (or property agent, if you use them as a middleman in communication) as soon as possible. Depending on the landlord, your problem could be fixed within a few days or may never be fixed. Make sure you have the approval of your landlord before you pay for someone to fix structures or fittings – including putting extra locks on doors.

Service is usually polite and efficient, and workmen can often come out during the evening and on Sundays.

Leaving your apartment

It is usual to give your landlord at least one month’s notice, according to the terms of your tenancy agreement. You will need to pay all outstanding bills before quitting the property and leave it in the same state as it was when you arrived, unless you have agreed with the landlord to leave equipment or furniture in place.

You can get rid of unwanted furniture and equipment by having a moving sale, which you can advertise in the South China Morning Post, or by calling up a recycling company. Waste collectors and recyclers are listed on the Environmental Protection Department’s website (www.epd.gov.hk). Removals companies (see below) will also remove unwanted items for a minimum charge. Charities such as Crossroads International (tel. 2984 9309) receive used furniture and equipment in good condition. Clothing can be deposited in recycling bins or given to one of the many charities that take second-hand clothes, for example the Salvation Army (tel. 2332 4433). Books can be given to the YWCA for its borrowing library or a second-hand bookshop.

REMOVALS COMPANIES

Removals companies who can pack and ship your household internationally include:

• AGS Four Winds (www.agsfourwinds.com; tel. 2885 9666);
• Crown Relocations (www.crownworldwide.com; tel. 2636 8388);
• Links Relocations (www.linksrelo.com; tel. 2366 6700); and
• Santa Fe (www.santafe.com.hk; tel. 2574 6204).

Contact them three to four months before your intended move date and they will give you a free survey and quotation.