Renting a flat in Malé, Hulhumalé or Vilimalé

Where to look

Listings are spread across sites like Hiyaa, Boahiyaa and iBay, plus Facebook groups. Malé is the most expensive and the most crowded; one guide puts central one-bedroom rents around MVR 10,000–18,000. Hulhumalé is newer and greener, and Vilimalé is quieter.

Before you pay anything

• See the flat in person (or have someone you trust see it) before any deposit.
• Ask who owns the flat and see ID. If it's a sublet, ask to see the owner's permission.
• Get a written contract: rent, deposit, notice period, who pays which utilities, and who fixes what.
• Pay by bank transfer, not cash, so there is a record.

Move-in checklist

• Photograph every room, with the meter readings, on day one, and share the photos with the landlord.
• Run every AC for 10 minutes: cold air, no dripping, no smell.
• Check the water heater, taps, drains, the toilet flush and the water pressure.
• Test every socket and switch, and find the breaker box.
• Agree in writing who pays for AC servicing; in Malé's heat that's every few months.