dubai1990 | ExpatWoman.com
 

dubai1990

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 October 2012 - 11:34
Also.... Pets Plus on Shz Zayed Road sold them.... I shall most prob be going there today so will see if they have any large ones there.....
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 October 2012 - 08:51
hi there... i have also got HBP and was diagnosed with it when I was 24 and living in the UK...(I went to join a gym and it flagged up there). they did all the tests... I even had to wear a blood pressure monitor for 24 hours... but, it was hypertension and said it was heriditary and have been on medication ever since.... so, you are not alone :-)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 October 2012 - 08:53
hi there.... years ago my parents had a moluccan cockatoo and macaws over here.... the cockatoo was given to us as it was abandoned so to speak.... anyway, when my parents had to move home (UK) they were unable to take the cockatoo as it was classed as an endangered breed, therefore, they had to leave it here but, Dubai Zoo did provide a good home for it as they were looking for a male :-) The macaws did make it back to the UK with them..... the only thing i would suggest is finding out if there are any animals that you cannot bring to a european country and then at least you will know......
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 October 2012 - 13:31
also matalan is quite good.....
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 October 2012 - 15:32
hey there.... fibber magees do outside catering and they used to do the catering for the rugby 7's years ago with a portacabin selling burgers and stuff.... i am sure if you speak to the manager, mark hutton, he would be able to either help you or recommend someone that could..... hth
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 October 2012 - 15:18
my dh and i, no kids but 2 dogs, live close to knowledge village on a compound in a nice 3 bedroom villa.... they are older ones but the pros are that it is a maktoum owned compound so no worries of landlords being awkward... it is run by a property management company so they are on hand 24/7 for any maintenance and what my dh loves the most, is that it has a licensed bar on the compound that sells cheaper drinks basically.... it has a great community feel and has many families and couples living there, also, it is still close to the marina, the palm and other areas around.....and I love the fact that either though we are surrounded by high rise towers, the compound is lovely and green and feels a little bit like home :-) as some people have said.... dewa bills can be a little bit more pricey but i would not say that we are paying a huge amount more compared to when we were living in a 2 bedroom apartment in jlt.....
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 October 2012 - 09:07
i do not think that the stamp in your passport will change, although, your husband will most probably have to pay immigration a deposit to put your visa on hold until his new permit comes through and then he can have the deposit back.... this is a better way, as before, your visa had to be cancelled in order for your husbands visa to be cancelled, transferred etc and you would then need to go through the extra costs of reapplying, but, now, they let you pay a deposit, I think it is about AED 5000 just to put your visa on hold while your husband changes his and as soon as it is done, he can show his passport at immigration with the new stamp and they will refund the deposit and your visa will carry on as normal.... hth
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 October 2012 - 12:11
i have seen some in geant also but not sure how much.... we also used to get a very big roll from the stationary shop... might be worth asking them what prices that are.... i think we paid AED 250 but there was a lot of it! hth
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 October 2012 - 15:24
hi there.... i think the best thing is to contact the animal shelters here that can maybe suggest the best vet and also get a discount.... you have feline friends, animamls of dubai... dubai animal rescue centre..... i think they would be the best start off point, and then, if no luck, Al Safa Vets in Umm Sequim seems to be reasonably priced hth
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 October 2012 - 14:48
i think that was when there was a good feeling between tenants and landlords but now a days.... for some, it is different and you read stories about the landlord disconnecting the services to evict the tenant etc etc so just think it might be better to do everything above board so at least you do have a leg to stand on just in case things do not turn out as you plan........
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 October 2012 - 14:40
hi.... have got your email address and will pass it on, will hopefully catch up with her at the weekend.... as i said, she may not be able to do it herself but can point your friend in the right direction......
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 October 2012 - 13:56
hey.... a friend of mine was an english teacher at one of the local schools but left last year after being there for several years as she is starting a family... i could ask if she would be interested or alternatively if she can recommend anyone else.... she lives in the springs.....
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 October 2012 - 13:52
it might also be worth asking if the LL has registered the property with rera.....
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 October 2012 - 13:49
I would def go and see Rera.... surely, if he has to give a years notice in writing to sell the property, he cannot sell it before then meaning that your renewal will still be under the same landlord..... and if the price is still within the rera index, I do not think they can increase it or if they can, it has to be only by 5%..???? It might save you a lot of money to go and visit them... but, also check that your tenancy contract is registered with ejari... our compound does this for our villa and we pay aed 160 for the year but is worth doing it for peace of mind......
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 October 2012 - 13:37
hey there.... i do not think that a utility bill has to be given to apply for a residency.... howerer, in regards to the utility bill i would suggest that your friend does have it put in their name as if dewa found out that it had not been changed, there would be a fine as dewa charges a housing fee to everyone....(whether they would find out is another matter....) also, will the landlord provide you with the bills for payment each month...??? also, if it is in the landlords name, you would not be able to cancel it, but he could!!!!! best to do it the proper way as you just never know.......
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 October 2012 - 10:39
i think the marina would be the best bet as lots of amenities and things to do although having said that, i would be careful of what building as the traffic around there can be atrocious.... also, if your DH work place is by the metropolitan, it will not be a problem travelling in to dubai as everyone is generally travelling out towards abu dhabi in the morning and vice versa... your budget is very good and you would be able to get an apartment in the marina or, if you wanted to get a villa, you could also get a 3 bedroom in the springs which is on the other side of the shk zayed road.... if you both drive, i would definately recommend finding an apartment that gives you 2 parking spaces, especially if it is in the marina as extra parking outside is very hard to come by........ maybe it would be wise to come to dubai for the weekend and have a drive around... the best time to view the city is on a friday as the roads are slightly quieter during the day...... hth
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 October 2012 - 15:46
also, spinneys in the springs have them...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 October 2012 - 15:45
i have just been on their website and it says a year subscription is AED 550.... you can also gift it to a friend.... that would be a great gift for my mum's birthday... something different :-) <em>edited by dubai1990 on 16/10/2012</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 October 2012 - 11:40
matalan did have some but they were in a blue and purple union jack.... we were looking to get some but did not find any here and even in the UK, the cushion covers were to small for the cushions that we got from ikea 50x50.... there was a stall in the IBN Battuta near the cinema that did union jack cushions and bean bags but not sure if they are still there although they were on the pricey side.....
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 October 2012 - 11:36
I know it is not second hand but would recommend IKEA if she wants to get everything in one go and the price is reasonable..... i am not aware of any second hand furniture shops.... there is a shop on shk zayed rd called cash convertors that apparently have second hand furniture but have never been there..... there is also dubizzle on the internet, but, that would take a lot of time and effort.... edited by dubai1990 on 16/10/2012 <em>edited by dubai1990 on 16/10/2012</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 October 2012 - 11:31
I would definately inquire as my DH renewed his last month as his visa had expired and it took 2 weeks and he was sent an sms to collect it from the post office.... i think yours may have got lost in the system by the sounds of it...... <em>edited by dubai1990 on 16/10/2012</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 October 2012 - 11:20
what about daiso.... they may have something....
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 October 2012 - 16:12
hey there.... it is very hard to choose between the two, but, you have to decide on what is best for your family.... there are villa's in Jumeirah Village that may be slightly cheaper than arabian ranches, but, there are not many amenities.... dewa is usually higher in a villa BUT we found that by moving to a 2 bedroom villa that the ac was included in the dewa was not much more expensive than having to pay the dewa for a 2 bedroom apartment and the chiller fees which was very high..... in regards to it being clean.... i do not think it matters where you are... the dust seems to get through the windows no matter what! maybe it is worth writing a list of what you like about a villa and what you like about an apartment and see which one is better suited for u financially and for a happy home :-)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 October 2012 - 14:56
as mentioned, once the residence visa is cancelled, your maid will have 30 days to exit the country.... your husband will need to sign in order to have the visa cancelled as he is the sponsor... also, you will need to have paid all of her dues before cancelling and i would not be surprised if the immigration would like to see a copy of the ticket booked for her to fly out on..... she will sign to say that you do not owe her anything and the process for cancellation usually takes approx 2 days (best to check that as it may be longer for cancelling the labour card) but would not advise doing it when a holiday is approaching..... you can go to the immigration department at the trade centre roundabout, they are very helpful but would recommend getting there at 8am and also the immigration department has a call centre number.... you could try using that also..... to find out the correct information hth
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 October 2012 - 14:44
Rivington Grill... you can look to see if they are in the Entertainer.... they have grapes :-)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 October 2012 - 14:26
the best way to sell your car, albeit, the less profitable one is through a car showroom, you can either go to the local traders i.e. 4x4 Motors, Al futtaim or see if your car model has a second hand showroom.... they will give you a value of the car and if you agree, u then need the bank to give you a statement addressed to the trader for the outstanding loan amount and the car showroom will take your car and provide you with a cheque for the outstanding amount.... as soon as that is settled and the bank has given you a clearance certificate, this will go straight back to the showroom, the registration will be transferred and they will give you the remaining amount whether in cash or cheque.... in regards to a private sale.... I think that you will find this harder if the loan has not been settled.... hth
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 October 2012 - 14:17
we have used gemaco for both of our offices in JLT... one was just under 5000 sq ft and the other we have now is 2000 sq ft and we have had glass partitions throughout them both and have also bought the furniture from them..... i would definately negotiate with them on the price and also the furniture can be on the pricey side.... good but if you are not looking at long term, i am sure that you can find furniture cheaper elsewhere... it just really depends on what you are looking for.... hth
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 October 2012 - 10:37
Hi there We put our two cocker spaniels in at Woof Groomers that are close to Times Square on Shk Zayed Rd.... they only have a few kennels but are brilliant with the dogs and the prices are reasonable. HTH
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 October 2012 - 10:29
We have had DSS in and tbh... we would not go down that road again.... apparently, they were paid direct, hence, them not paying us and doing a runner, however, our Letting Agent has informed us that if they lease it to DSS, the housing pays the Letting Agent direct but the amount of money we have had to spend on having the place haibitable after having DSS in has been unreal so we have recently rented it through the letting agent to a working couple and they have been great....... Although there are many landlords that do let out to DSS but not sure with the cutbacks that the government are planning to make, whether the system will change or not.......
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 October 2012 - 16:04
hi zara.... i think you have had a few opinions from us all regarding your LL... what I was trying to say in the first post to your question is that by what you are saying the LL has agreed to renew the rent as per your first tenancy agreement with him.... he has also followed the rera request by providing you with 12 months notice of his wish to sell the property (you may want to check this with rera but I think it is only acceptable if it is a written notification) in regards to him changing the new tenancy contract from a renewable to a non renewable, as mentioned, this is something else you will need to check with rera, but, i think he is within his rights as all LL have the right to choose whether to offer a renewable or non renewable contracts as it is also stated clearly in most tenancy agreements that the renewal has to be agreed by both parties but as stated before.... you would be better to check with rera.....
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 October 2012 - 12:09
as far as i can see he has honoured the renewable contract for the second year.... provided he has given 12 months notice in writing of his desire to sell the property, i cannot see why you would want another renewable contract..... the best people to ask is rera themselves, but, i do not think that they would object to the landlord giving you a non renewable contract especially as he is giving 12 months notice of selling the property......
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 12:45
hi there our main source to look for rentals in dubai is dubizzle dot com, it may be worth looking on there for short term rental as some landlords also rent out there apartments fully furnished including internet etc etc on a monthly basis which might be a cheaper option.... also, i would be looking at dubai marina, tecom and jlt (jueirah lake towers) area if you want new dubai... jlt and tecom may be cheaper than the marina but they are both near metro stations so that is good.... also, there are a couple of hotels in the area which is where the bars are as most bars have to linked to hotels and that is where a lot of single people flock to on a weekend and some of us married ones hehe :-) discovery gardens is a little further out but they do have a shopping mall within walking distance IF the building you are in is near to the main road and also a metro station.... hth
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 15:24
Monsoon Mango
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 11:43
Hey.... you could try Prosports.... they used to do the tops for the Rugby 7's....(I think) but I am sure that they also do ones for companies......
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 10:05
dragon mart is also an option... there are a few shops there that do custom made blinds
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 14:43
Hi Fiouk Firstly, good on you for trying to plan your future and also for asking for advice before taking the leap..... I have lived in Dubai for almost 20 years now.... yes, I have seen the place change so much and throughout the years, there have always been good and bad points, but, I am sure a lot of people would say that about a lot of other places.... What people have said on here is pretty much the truth in terms of where Dubai is today..... after having so many people out of work during the recession, the employers have become very choosy.... Do not get me wrong.... Dubai was very much a place of knowing the right people, but, now, even though I believe it still exists, it does not have as much sway and employers are asking for nothing less than a degree and in a majority of circumstances, they are asking for so many years GCC experience.... As an employer has to provide you with a visa if you are single, it then becomes illegal for you to do any other work outside of that company.... This rule has always pretty much been non negotiable.... In regards to the expense of living in Dubai.... just for an idea.... to live in Jumeirah Village Triangle and sharing a 2 bedroom apartment... you would be looking at the cheapest, approx GBP 550 a month .... (please note it is illegal for a male and female to live together if they are not family or married) plus bills i..e water electricity tv maybe approx GBP 100..... to hire a car, it is approx GBP 300 per month if taken over a long period of time.....(sharing also usually requires installments of 3 months in advance) In regards to the banking system over here.... they are more than happy to throw loan and credit cards at you, but, unlike the UK, they do not show any leniency if you cannot make the payments... i.e. this is not the country to get yourself into financial trouble...... As most have said, I would focus on the job prospect side of things first but if you decide to come for a month and have the funds to support yourself and you still have a job to go back to.... why not, but, unfortunately, it usually take employers 2 weeks to a month to even acknowledge that they have read your CV..... HTH
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 12:45
hi there have just been online and they have a pain clinic at the Tawam Hospital in Abu Dhabi.... not sure if that was what you were looking for.... HTH :-) ok, just actually read it and it is based in Al Ain...... <em>edited by dubai1990 on 07/10/2012</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 12:31
Hi.... are they staying at a hotel.... in which case, some hotels offer airport pickups.... also, the taxi service can be booked for a certain number of hours... i have seen it when sitting in the cab itself.... i.e. you can book it for a couple of hours etc etc for a fixed price.... it might be worth contacting the RTA as I think they have also set up a Dubai Limo service also which is run by them but just better cars..... Ok..... just had a look and for 6 hours it is AED 500 but only in Dubai :-( Also, the VIP service through RTA is for departures from Terminal 3..... Erm.... am trying to think.....Al Ghazal Cars.... Prime Limousine.... I am sure that one of these would do it.... <em>edited by dubai1990 on 07/10/2012</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 October 2012 - 09:06
also, not sure if this helps but a colleague of mine has been through house problems recently and if a landlord wants to either sell the property, or, move into it themselves, they have to give 12 months notice!!!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 October 2012 - 08:59
Your responses have been such a great help..... my DH and I have had a really serious talk about it and we are planning to visit an expo in the UK in november which is for career opportunties in NZ and see what the feedback is like and then will take a trip over there before rushing into anything..... I want to look at this move as being long term.... I have lived here for 20 years and know that it is time to move on to somewhere that is green, laid back and a community :-) thank u :-)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 October 2012 - 10:44
hi.... as my DH wants to further his career in construction, we are looking at the rebuild opportunites in christchurch.... as there is only the two of us and our dogs, we are pretty flexible but we are looking at this as being a long term move rather than a temporary relocation.... we have been doing a lot of research on rentals, employment opportunites, taxes, cost of living etc but would just like to actually hear feedback from people who have lived there rather than reading it off google..... we like the idea of it being a slightly more laid back lifestyle compared to the hectic life of dubai.... and the outdoors and greenery is a definate plus :-)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 October 2012 - 09:33
hi dxb3.... i have sent you an email :-)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 October 2012 - 14:38
Good Afternoon Everyone..... My DH and I are looking into moving to NZ.... my DH is in construction and we are looking at other options for a more stable career and a place where we can both be more settled with our two dogs and New Zealand has come up in our conversation..... as, we both only really know the UK and the Middle East, I was wondering if anyone can give us any pros and cons to moving there.... Any advice would be appreciated :-)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 October 2012 - 11:05
hi everyone... i totally agree with the driving around as most companies have there names on the side of the compounds.... alternatively, if they have a security guard... he will be able to get a contact number for you... the main companies that i can think of that have compound villas are arenco, al kawakeb property management and also you could try the government property entity which is wasl..... but, i am sure there are a lot more......
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 September 2012 - 13:07
hi taffy i think dubizzle would be your best bet for villa hunting.... the rents are still reasonable so i am sure that you will find something within your budget.... also, maybe try calling the companies that run some of the compounds..... arenco, al kawakeb etc etc.... cannot help you with executive towers... like everywhere, there are pros and cons....but, i am sure people will be able to give more details on them.... happy house hunting :-)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 11:54
hey there if it says dubai traffic department on it... you could try looking online under fines and entering the traffic file number which should be typed on the top and see what comes up.... or, like me who does not read arabic... i look at the box that has the numbers written in it and look at my phone keypad and work out the numbers from that.....
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 11:50
hi there.... he is a construction manager :-)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 11:30
I know that they have the new rulings in place for registering but before this.... there was something on the form whereby you can transfer the sim card into a new name.... I did this when I transferred the sim from the company account into my own name.... they just had to sign the form to say that they were happy to transfer and then you submit the details i.e. passport copy etc.... the only thing that they could not transfer was the roaming so if there is any roaming on it, that has to be debited back to the original name and a new roaming put down on it.... i know you can download the form off etisalat website.... it is just a normal form for obtaining a sim card and the info is on the back.... hope this helps :-)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 13:47
hi there..... i have used amazon in the uk for a few years and have not had any problems with them, but, they will only ship certain things over here.... books, dvd's etc.... anything more and they will not ship them for you..... i have always put in my po box as that is where they send them to..... hope this helps :-)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 September 2012 - 08:40
a lot of the property management companies require 3 months notice on a villa so it might be worth giving them a call if you want to be on a compound as they will have a list of what is coming available..... i.e. arenco, al kawakeb property and i am sure there are a few others.... also, if you see a compound that you like in the area, it may be worth speaking with the security guard to give you a contact for the company that controls the compound.... we live on a compound and we have to give 3 months notice so the company already knows exactly what is available in 3 months time......