Tips for Paying Guest (PG) accommodation search

Paying Guest or PG as it is popularly known is increasingly becoming popular among young professionals (18-26 years) especially in metros and tier II cities. The concept of PG is not new but there is a greater appreciation of this concept now than say a few years back. PG is a preferred option among young people who move away from their native place either for higher studies or for an employment opportunity. In a new city, finding the right PG accommodation can be challenging at times.

Take Nitin Jain’s (name changed upon request) example. He completed his post graduation from a reputed institute in Ahmedabad and got placed with an organization in a Mumbai. Company provided a hotel accommodation for 15 days and he was expected to make his own arrangements within this period. Nitin reached Mumbai and started searching for a PG accommodation. He spoke to a few people in the company and started actively looking at the newspaper classified. He worked during the day and looked for the properties in the evenings. Few days passed but the things did not work out. The deadline to vacate the hotel was approaching but he was not able to finalise (inspite of hitting the road every day).

Fortunately, the company extended the hotel stay by another 7 days. He decided to put all his energies behind PG hunting and it became a full time activity. He used to spend hours browsing through hundreds of listings in the newspaper but was unable to find the PG accommodation that suited his requirement. He got frustrated. He discussed his problem with Saif, a colleague who had recently taken a house; Saif advised him to try an online website. Saif recommended Makaan.com (the website he used for finding his PG accommodation). He told him that it took him less than a week to complete the entire process. All he did was to enter his requirement properly and within a few days 2-3 property dealers that had the matching properties contacted him. As per Saif, it was a huge saving for his time and energy. Nitin did the same. He was able to move into the new house without any further extension from the company.

Here are some tips to help you make your search simpler…

1.   It is important to fix two things before starting your PG search; first, your budget & second, shortlist of a few preferred areas. If you fix these properly the rest of the search will be far easier. However, if these are loosely defined you will be pulled in different direction (basis the opinion of others).

2.   Once the budget and area is defined, start your PG accommodation search using an online real estate website. There are many popular real estate websites like Makaan.com, which allow specific search for PG.
 

3.   You can either do a PG search or simply post your requirement on these sites. Your requirement is shared with people who have a matching accommodation. Within a few days of posting your requirement you will start getting calls from owners / agents.

4.   It is advisable to go thru and agent as he will be able to show multiple options. Do not engage more than 2-3 brokers / agents. Choose the agents that are active in the area of your choice. Agents will charge between 15 days to 30 days of rent as their fee.
 

5.   Websites will also give a good idea of the prevailing rates for PG accommodation (in the areas of your choice). Use this information to negotiate with the brokers or agents. PG accommodation normally ranges from 4,000/- to 15,000/- pm depending on the locality and services being offered.
 

6.   Go for a site visit only when your agent is promising to show multiple options. Do not waste your time to see just one site. It may not be worth the effort.

7.   Check out if public transportation is easily available nearby.
 

8.   Also check if there is a provision of a Tiffin system or meals are provided by PG owner.

9.   If it is a shared accommodation, try and get the contact number and communicate with prospective roommates to get more insight. There could be restrictions in terms of movements at night, getting friends over etc so it is better to have prior information.

Use the above tips and hopefully it will benefit you in your PG accommodation search.