Relocation Packages & Questions

EWFfan

What is the normal/average relocation expenses/package your Company has paid for you to move to Chennai?

Is it possible to find somewhere to live via an Agent and move in within 10 days?

What sort of Hotel will £50 per night buy?

Will Agencies/Landlords accept Tenants where the Company is not paying the rent?

What other basics are paid for by your Company?

Thanks.

Nick-H

Not an ex-pat worker, but...

£50 a night, around 3600 INR, should get you a comfortable room. I think there is a lot of variables in that mid-range of hotels; some are overcharging for rubbish, whilst others are very good bargains, so you should pick and choose. For around 1,000 INR you can get a clean room in a guesthouse, but lacking the hotel frills; five-star is more like 9,000 to 12,000 and maybe even more.

Landlords mostly do not care who pays the rent, as long as somebody does. One of the reasons for this is the huge up-front deposit (ten months rent, though this may be negotiable) that is part of the deal. Although rents have risen steeply, the market is flat just now, and seekers will have more bargaining power.

Someone like Raghu can advise more acurately.

Raghu.Kumar

Hi Nick,

Thanks for this.

Raghu

__________________
S.Raghu Kumar
sahana_kumar@yahoo.com

Raghu.Kumar

Hi Ewfan,

The relocation package offered to Expats differ from company to company. If you are moving on Expat terms, then the organization would take care of end to end relocation expenses which would include shipping, housing, soft furnishing, disturbance allowance, medical coverage, car, utilities , club etc and the entitlement would depend on the grade and Band of the moving employee.

On the other hand, if the employee is moving on local terms or on permanent transfer, then all that he would get is a shipping allowance or reimbursement of shipping expenses. The benefit would range from providing an allowance of a 20' container to a 40' or a 40' hi cube container depending on the family size and type of accommodation ( furnished or unfurnished )

Motor Cars, Pets and high value items like Piano, high end art/paintings are not covered under the shipping and it would have to be to the employees account if they desire to ship.

In addition to the shipment, insurance is covered for breakage and total loss. However insurance for mould and mild dew, mechanical dearrangement would not be borne by the company under normal circumstances.

Nick has answered the hotel part, however you dont have to go through an agent to secure temporary accommodation either in a hotel or in a guesthouse. You can book it directly without incurring any intermediary expenses. I can also lend a free hand. All it would cost for me is a few phone calls and spending about 1 hour of my time overall. I dont mind that.

Usually the landlords expect a company lease as they feel dealing with corporates is much easier. However as Nick rightly mentioned, this is a time of recession and landlords cannot be too pricey and if not all, some of the landlords would be open to an individual lease, but guess they would stick to the 10 month security deposit. Have you got the info about the office location. If yes may be i can help you narrow down the choice of location of residence. ( all advice free ) may be you can buy me a coke during the next chennai meetsup.

I hope I have answered almost all your queries. if you want more info in detail about expat benefits PM or drop me a note.

Welcome to Chennai, India

Raghu

genesis

10 days is hard to find an apartment of choice and move in unless you are really lucky.
Once you find an apt usually you will want the landlord to make some changes (whether he does it or not is another story!)
I would budget a month to find an apt.

You can pay the rent on your own, but usually landlords 'prefer' a company lease since it makes them feel 'secure'. That is an arrangement you can negotiate with your company. They sign the lease u pay the rent.

Be clear on double taxation between India and your home country before you sign up for a package. It is tricky and differs from country to country. If not thought thru it can quickly get quite costly if you are in India for a few years.