Renting in the BVI – FAQ

There is a wide range of rental accommodations available in the BVI, from a small studio apartment to a large 5-bedroom family villa with pool.

Here are answers to some of the questions you might have about renting property in the British Virgin Islands.

How long is a BVI rental lease?

The standard long-term rental lease agreement is for 12 months. Short-term leases are possible for under 6 months; however, you will usually find you pay a higher monthly rent for a shorter term lease, as these properties do tend to concentrate on vacation rentals.

Can I have a pet?

This will depend on particular owners, what type of pet, and where it is to be kept. Owners that accept pets will usually require an additional pet deposit as well as a pet clause added to the lease agreement regarding control and cleaning up after pet. Pet deposits will range from $250-$500 USD per pet. Ask your agent which properties are pet-friendly when you start your rental home search.

How much should I be prepared to pay before moving in?

Most landlords will require a security deposit and the first month’s rent. The security deposit is usually the same as the monthly rental amount. Occasionally the security deposit may be a little more due to extras such as pets. Sometimes a landlord will require the deposit plus first and last month’s rent. Check with your agent on what the policy for a particular property is.

How much does it cost to rent in the BVI?

Rental prices vary, depending on factors such as location, age of property, amenities and furnishings included.

Renters can expect to pay (per month):

• $600 – $1000 for a studio apartment
• $800 – $1500 for a 1-bedroom apartment
• $1000 – $2500 for a 2-bedroom apartment
• $2000 and up for a 2-bedroom house or 3-bedroom apartment
• $3000 and upwards for a standalone house with a pool

We use these standard terms to describe rental homes:

• Studio – Usually a fairly small space with one room that comprises kitchen, living and sleeping area
• Apartment – From a 1-bedroom upwards, apartments are usually in a block of 2 or more similar size accommodations
• Standalone house – A property that has no adjoining neighbors
• Townhouse or condominium – A townhouse is a split-level property with adjoining neighbors on one or both sides, usually comprised of living area and kitchen downstairs with bedrooms upstairs. A condo can be either a townhouse or on one level like an apartment. Condos are usually in a complex of similarly styled properties and can have the benefit of shared facilities such as pool and gardens.
• Villa – A standalone home that usually includes a pool and epitomizes the luxurious of the Caribbean lifestyle

What does “furnished” mean vs. “fully furnished”?

Here are the terms used with BVI rental properties:

• Unfurnished – This is a bare apartment with no furnishings or appliances included.
• Semi-furnished – Major appliances are included (refrigerator/freezer and stove). Some properties will also include a washer and dryer and/or a dishwasher.
• Furnished – Large furniture items provided as well as appliances.
• Fully furnished or move-in ready – Everything is provided, from pots and pans to furniture, appliances, and in the case of “move-in-ready,” linens and towels.

As you’d expect, the cost of renting unfurnished and semi-furnished properties is going to be cheaper than renting a place that is fully furnished and move-in ready.

Should I expect to pay for utilities?

Generally, when renting in the BVI, utilities are not included. See FAQ on Life and Living in the BVI for more information on utilities.

Your monthly utility bills of course will depend on usage and size of property.

Utilities like electricity, water, gas, and TV are not usually included in monthly rental prices.

• Electricity — To get connected go to the BVIEC offices in Road Town to request a Customer Change of Name Request form. This needs to be signed by both you and your landlord. You will also need to provide photo ID. It is a good idea to take your work permit along with passport and driver’s license. You will need to pay a deposit to the electricity company, but this is refundable or transferable should you move or close an account.
• Gas — Most stoves and ovens are gas-powered by propane with tanks that you need to have swapped out when empty. There are a number of propane suppliers that will come and replace your tank with a full one. Prices vary, but range between $80-$90 USD for a 100-lb. cylinder. Smaller cylinders such as those used for barbeque grills can be taken to a propane supplier for refills.
• Water — There are two types of water sources and rentals will either have one or both. Nearly all properties in the BVI have a water cistern underneath the property. This is sometimes the only source of water to your home.The BVI’s public water supply is not connected to all properties, and for those that are, they are sometimes not the most reliable. If your rental home is connected to the public water supply, you will need to go to the Water and Sewerage Department (located at Baughers Bay on the edge of Road Town) to change the account into your name.Cistern water is collected from rain, and if the home you’re renting relies on cistern water, conserve water usage — especially in the dryer months. However, there are water-delivery companies who will fill empty cisterns.

  Water may sometimes be included in your rental price, but check with your landlord on which water source the home relies on.