The How is Harder than the Where
Finding an apartment in Jamaica has been an uphill battle, one filled with uncertainty, delays, and a fair share of frustration. I thought figuring out where to live would be harder because Jamaica seems bigger than I remember. Each parish, with its own culture and language, almost feels like a different country, making the decision even more difficult. Where has more opportunities for growth and peace? Where will I feel most at home? The research and constant back-and-forth have only added to the anxiety. It’s something we’ll just have to get through.
But just when I thought I had cleared the first major hurdle—choosing a parish—another one appeared: actually finding an apartment. More struggle ensues. Between high prices, limited availability, scams, landlords changing their mind and the never-ending red tape, it almost feels like the entire system, government or non-government, is designed to make things harder than they need to be. Why is something as basic as housing such a stressful process?
Dealing with Realtors
I’d assume that working with a realtor makes the process smoother, but that’s not always the case. Some realtors charge outrageous fees just to show a place, and even then, you’re not guaranteed to get it. Some will take your money upfront for a “finder’s fee” and then show you places that don’t match what you asked for—wrong location, wrong price, wrong everything. Others won’t even bother to return your calls unless you appear to have a big budget.
Even when you do find a place you like, the process can drag on. Some landlords work exclusively through realtors, meaning there’s another layer of negotiation, back-and-forth, and additional fees that add up quickly. If you don’t move fast, someone else snatches the place from under you. It’s exhausting. Realtors can be just as caught up in the scamming too, everyone has a price it seems.
Directly with Landlords—A Whole Other Struggle
Going directly to landlords should be easier, but that comes with its own set of problems. Many landlords expect tenants to handle repairs, no matter how big or small the issue is. A leaking roof? That’s your problem. Faulty plumbing? You better figure it out. Some refuse to invest in maintaining their own property but will raise the rent the moment they get a chance.
Then there’s the issue of transparency. Some landlords won’t give you a proper rental agreement, making it easier for them to evict you on a whim. Others refuse to provide receipts for rent payments, which can lead to problems down the road. And if you ask too many questions, they’ll just move on to the next potential tenant who doesn’t.
I can understand to a certain degree why some landlords are leery, they may have had bad experiences or trying to avoid the many bad tenants out there. Some tenants begin to squat and not pay rent or destroy a persons property and refuse to repair. This makes it harder for the normal individuals who just wants a decent place to live and can afford to pay the rent on time. I’d recommend landlords do a month to month or short term with renewal options, maybe every 3 or 6 months before committing to a 1 year rental agreement.
However, being lazy and not wanting to fix up your own property and renting it dirty like you’re housing wild animals is crazy. Renting out a furnished studio with stains on the mattress and chairs, bed in a corner next to the stove, tiles falling and cabinets missing doors and charging in USD is insane. When did Jamaica become America? Or, is that the plan, invite foreigners to Jamaica so they can buy up all the land and homes and rent it back to the Jamaican’s for 10x the price?
Scams—The Worst of Them All
And of course, the scammers are out in full force. Fake listings are everywhere, especially online. Some people pose as landlords, collecting deposits for apartments they don’t even own. Others will claim to have a place available, only for you to show up and find out it was already rented weeks ago—after they’ve taken your “reservation fee.” Some even go as far as renting out the same apartment to multiple people and disappearing with the money.
For those unfamiliar with the system, these scams can be financially and emotionally devastating. You’re left scrambling, trying to find another place, while the money you saved is gone. And with how difficult the legal system is, most scammers get away with it.
Keep Trying
Still, despite all the frustration, I know that the right place is out there. Maybe it won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. Don’t let my experience stop you from trying—things may work out better for you. And even if the road is rough, keep pushing. The right home, the right community, the right peace of mind—it’s all waiting on the other side of the struggle. Keep going.
For more information about finding housing check out our Housing Page.
