House-Hunting

A realistic guide to the search — using referrals, dealing with estate agents (bunghas), the online options, and getting a proper tenancy agreement signed.

Finding suitable accommodation is a laborious, time-consuming and often frustrating process. One of the most effective ways to begin is through referrals from contacts you may already have in Qum, even before you arrive — they can often recommend housing or help find a home to suit your needs.

Estate agents (bunghas)

Estate agents, commonly called bunghas, are found in most neighbourhoods. They keep records of local properties for sale or rent and connect buyers with sellers, or landlords with tenants, finalising the contract between the two. Their records are usually kept manually and may not be up to date, and the information offered is often minimal — just the monthly rent, deposit, number of bedrooms and location. Further detail tends to come only when you visit the property.

Most agents won’t let you browse all available properties yourself. Instead they prefer to hear your requirements and budget, then pick what they think fits — and they typically arrange viewings one property at a time rather than several together. This can take considerable time, energy and patience.

When you enquire, one of the first questions an agent often asks is “how many people are in your family?” Unfortunately there is a prevailing culture among Iranian landlords of limiting the number of occupants — out of concern for noise or potential damage — which makes it challenging for families of four or more, who are often turned away.

Searching online

To avoid trekking between agents in different areas, more people now search online. The online route offers advanced filters, more detail and often photos, making it much faster to find the right place. Since online estate agents are relatively new, options are still limited — two of the main ones are Kolbeh and Koomeh. Alternatively, online classifieds such as Divar and Sheypoor list properties directly, though you’ll need to contact the landlord and arrange viewings yourself.

The tenancy agreement

Whichever route you choose, it is essential to have a tenancy agreement drafted and signed by both parties. This usually happens at an estate agent’s office, for a fee of $25–$50 (which should be split between both parties).

Some landlords may offer to draft the agreement themselves to avoid the fee, but it is wiser to use a professional to prevent complications in any future dispute. Especially as a newcomer, bring along someone experienced and fluent in the local language to negotiate the terms. Standard agreements don’t vary much, but you can add special clauses if needed — so review the agreement thoroughly to understand your rights and responsibilities before signing anything.