Guam Rentals: Your Guide to Renting Smart in Paradise

 If you're considering moving to Guam, whether for work, military service, school, or just a change of scenery, renting is often the first step. Guam has a lot to offer, but there are some unique aspects to its rental market that are good to know ahead of time. Read on for everything you need to navigate Guam rentals with confidence.

What “Guam Rentals” Means

“Guam rentals” refers to properties available for lease across the island: apartments, condos, single-family homes, extension units, and even short-term rentals. Many of the rentals serve military personnel (with Overseas Housing Allowance / OHA in mind) and civilians alike.

Types of Rental Properties in Guam

Here are some of the common kinds you’ll see:

Type	Description / Pros & Cons
Apartments / Condos	Great for convenience, often in complexes. Fewer maintenance responsibilities. But costs may be higher and space smaller.
Single-family homes	More space, more privacy. Often preferred by families or those wanting yard space. But may cost more, and responsibilities for maintenance are greater.
Extension units / “granny flats” / units attached to main home	A budget-friendlier option. Smaller, but often sufficient for singles/couples.
Short-term / Vacation rentals	Good for temporary stays or before you settle on a long-term place. Be aware of higher daily rates and fewer guarantees.

What You Can Expect: Prices & Costs

Knowing what to budget is one of the most important parts of finding a rental. Based on recent data:

• One-bedroom apartments: typically $600-$2,300/mo, depending on location, amenities, and condition.
• Two-bedroom units hover around $1,500-$1,800+ in many desirable areas.
• Utilities are often not included in rent, so you’ll want to factor in electricity, water, trash, maybe internet. Guam’s tropical climate means cooling (air-conditioning) and ventilation are big cost factors.

Best Areas to Rent in Guam

Where you live affects price, convenience, and lifestyle. Some neighborhoods are highly desirable:

• Tamuning / Tumon — close to amenities, shops, beaches, restaurants. Higher cost but lots of benefits.
• Dededo — larger population, more options, sometimes better pricing per square-foot.
• Yigo — especially for those near Andersen Air Force Base, or those wanting more space.
• Mangilao, Barrigada, Agana Heights — quieter, more residential, may offer a balance of cost vs amenities.

Key Things to Consider Before Renting

Here are some tips and “gotchas” to watch out for when dealing with Guam rentals:

1. Be ready with documents. Proof of income, identification, previous rental references are often required. Having them ready saves time.
2. Inspect the property in person if possible. Photos can’t always show everything; check appliances, water pressure, ventilation, damage, etc. Especially in Guam’s climate, issues like mold or pests may be hidden.
3. Check lease terms carefully. Things like who pays for utilities, maintenance responsibilities, policies on pets, lease duration, etc., are important. Get everything in writing.
4. Consider natural elements & weather. Typhoons are a reality: properties with sturdy construction, backup generators, proper shutters or storm protection are advantageous. Also look for good ventilation and screens for windows.
5. Act fast. Good rentals can go quickly, especially in desirable areas. If you see something you like, having your budget set and documents ready helps.

Special Considerations for Military & OHA

Many Guam rentals are influenced by the U.S. military presence. If you are stationed in Guam:

• You may qualify for Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) which helps cover rent and certain utility costs.
• Some rentals are “military-approved” or have provisions catering to service members. These may be favorable or easier to process.

Moving In / After You Are In

Once you’ve chosen your Guam rental home, keep these in mind:

• Do a thorough walk-through and document the condition (photos/video) to avoid disputes later.
• Keep receipts for repairs or modifications (if allowed under lease).
• Understand the local utilities: power usage can spike with air conditioning, so negotiate or understand what efficient cooling solutions are available.
• Know your rights & responsibilities as tenant under Guam law—lease laws, deposit rules, landlord obligations.

Final Thoughts

Guam is a beautiful place to live with tropical scenery, rich culture, and warm communities. But “living in paradise” doesn’t mean there aren’t challenges. With Best Realtor in Guam, the key is preparation: know your budget, narrow your must-haves, inspect carefully, and move quickly when you find the right property.