8 replies to this topic

[Joni]

Hiya! Moving to TJ in Feb.  We do not speak any Spanish. I've been checking craigslist and many ads are in Spanish.... Would it be best to hire an apartment finder? Any hotel recommendations (safe parking)? Thanks.

[tijuanahopeful]

There are also Craigslist ads in English.  Look on the San Diego Craigslist page, type in Tijuana and your maximum rental amount in the search boxes.  Also, you should come down and walk around the neighborhoods.  My landlord advertises in English and Spanish.

[Chamaco]

Many apartments are only advertised with a sign out front.  Do you have a target neighborhood?

[tijuanahopeful]

This is true.  My landlord doesn't though, he only shows by appointment. But there are lots of others advertised in my neighborhood with signs out front.

[HK70]

You don't seem to know TJ.  Why are you moving there?

[Rubiobello]

What area are you looking at?
Price Range? Zona Rio is nice but it's best to go to TJ and see for yourself
Also playas is a good option some 2 bedrooms go for about 450

[Joni]

Thanks for the replies and suggestions.  Based on my research, zona rio seems ideal... Open to any area close proximity to border and somewhat safe.  HK70, you're absolutely right, I know nothing about Tijuana, but it's my best option right now. My boyfriend is from another country and getting him to U.S. is pricey and time consuming. Unfortunately, I cannot make $ in his country. We're just gonna check out Tijuana/san diego as we explore our relationship.

[Daniel]

Hiya! Moving to TJ in Feb.  We do not speak any Spanish. I've been checking craigslist and many ads are in Spanish.... Would it be best to hire an apartment finder? Any hotel recommendations (safe parking)? Thanks.

I recommend against using somebody lke a real estate agent (apartment finder using your term). You are better off hiring a translator. 

 

Agents can find places, but they often add $100.00 or more to the montly rental price that they receive as a commission.  Again often their fee is per month; not a one time fee.

 

Expect to pay first, last, and and a deposit.  Mexican landlords will often ask for references and a co-signer (if they can), but usually do not do a US style credit check.

 

Prices on Craigslist tend to be high.  A better source is the newspaper, but most places are rented using an old fashioned sign.  (Mexican  landlords  prefer letting a place sit empty rather than spend money advertising it and often they are not Internet savy.)

.

Often landelords will not prorate, meaning if you move in on the 10th you pay a full months rent although you were not there the first ten days of the month.   Because of this the first of the month is like a game of muscial chairs and is when you will see the greatest number of places for rent.

[tijuanahopeful]

She hasn't been back on here since her first (and only) post. I guess she doesn't have any more questions.