NovLandlord lease agreement checklist in Cambodia
This is a checklist for a foreign condo owner, not a lease template. A Cambodian lawyer should review the final agreement before signing.
Core lease checks
| Area | Check | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Parties | Owner, tenant, agent/property manager and signing authority | Responsibility must be clear |
| Property | Project, tower, unit, floor, parking, furniture and permitted use | A unit should not be described only by marketing name |
| Term | Start, expiry, renewal notice and early termination | Move-out and renewal disputes often start here |
| Money | Rent, currency, due date, bank fees and payment proof | USD/riel mechanics should be written |
| Deposit | Amount, currency, deductions, final bills and return timing | No universal return deadline was verified |
| Utilities | Electricity, water, internet, service charge, access cards and meter readings | Cost allocation should be explicit |
| Repairs | Wear, tenant damage, emergency approval and evidence | Remote owners need a process |
| Building rules | Pets, smoking, noise, balcony, guests, subletting and short stay | Internal regulations may control use |
Move-in pack
- Inventory with photos, video, appliance serial numbers and meter readings.
- Keys, cards, remotes, parking access and a replacement-cost list.
- Building rules and building-management contact details.
- Emergency access and a written maintenance-request channel.
Red flags
- Deposit treated as owner income.
- Subletting or short-term use allowed without building-rule checks.
- No dated condition report.
- Agent signs without clear authority.
- No allocation of service charge, final bills or access-card replacement cost.
Renting out a unit in Phnom Penh? Send the draft lease and we will help check it against this list (parties, deposit, utilities, building rules) before you sign.
Review the leaseor take the quiz →FAQ
Is this a lease template?
No. It is a checklist for reviewing terms. A Cambodian lawyer should review the final agreement.
Can the deposit be set in US dollars?
Yes, rent and deposits in Phnom Penh are often denominated in USD, but the lease should separately state the payment and deposit-return currency.
Who decides whether short-term letting is allowed?
Check the building rules, the lease, insurance and applicable permits. This pass did not verify a single national rule for all condominiums.
Sources
Sub-Decree No.126 and NovAsia research on condo rules · the contract-clause library · NovAsia practical corpus on apartment upkeep and the USD/riel currency. A national residential lease template, a mandatory deposit size, its return deadline and an access-notice standard were not verified in this pass — these are contract-specific and lawyer-review items. This information is for general orientation and is not legal advice.