Is It Safe to Rent in Cambodia? Tips for Foreigners

If you’re thinking about moving to Cambodia, you’re probably wondering: Is it safe to rent a place there? It’s a valid question—especially when you’re about to sign a lease in a foreign country where the language, laws, and customs may be completely new to you.

The good news? Yes, it can be safe to rent in Cambodia, but only if you take the right precautions. While many foreigners find comfortable, secure homes and enjoy their time in the Kingdom, others fall victim to scams, sketchy landlords, or poor property conditions. This guide breaks it all down, giving you the practical tips you need to rent confidently and securely in Cambodia.

General Safety Overview in Cambodia

Crime Rate and Personal Safety

Cambodia is relatively safe compared to many countries in the region. Violent crime is rare, and most expats and travelers report feeling safe in their day-to-day lives. That said, petty crime like theft, pickpocketing, and bag snatching can be an issue—especially in crowded areas or at night.

In rental situations, theft can happen in poorly secured buildings or homes, so your property’s physical security matters just as much as the neighborhood it’s in.

Key safety tips:

• Avoid ground floor apartments with poor locks or broken gates.

• Don’t leave valuables in plain sight near windows or balconies.

• Install extra locks or a safe, especially if you’re living alone.

Safety in Major Cities vs. Rural Areas

In major cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, infrastructure and security tend to be better—but so is the concentration of opportunistic crime. These cities have police stations, hospitals, and emergency services, although response times and efficiency may not be what you’re used to back home.

Smaller towns like Kampot or Kep are more peaceful but might lack immediate access to emergency help. While crime is even lower in rural areas, so are tenant protections and housing quality.

Think about your comfort level: would you rather have modern security or a quieter lifestyle?

Emergency Services and Support

If something goes wrong, your best resource is often your local expat community or embassy. The police may help, but language barriers and informal procedures can make things tricky.

Important numbers to know:

• Police: 117

• Fire: 118

• Ambulance: 119

• Tourist Police: 012 942 484 (useful in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap)

Keep copies of your lease, passport, and visa handy—and store landlord contact info in an accessible place.

Safety in the Cambodian Rental Market

Legal Protections for Renters

Here’s the hard truth: Cambodia doesn’t have strong tenant protection laws like in many Western countries. The landlord holds a lot of power, especially if your lease is informal or poorly written.

While renting is perfectly legal for foreigners, it’s essential to have a contract, preferably bilingual (Khmer and English), and signed by both parties. This is your only real protection if something goes wrong.

Common Rental Risks for Foreigners

Foreigners—especially those new to the country—are easy targets for:

• Overpriced rent

• Poorly maintained properties

• Unfair deposit deductions

• Sudden eviction with no refund

These risks can be mitigated by working with trusted agents, thorough inspections, and careful lease negotiations.

If something feels off—like a deal that seems too cheap, or a landlord who insists on verbal agreements—trust your gut and walk away.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Keep your eyes peeled for these red flags:

• Landlord refuses to give a signed lease.

• No receipt or documentation for deposit.

• Pressure to pay upfront before seeing the place.

• Vague or missing utility details.

• Poor reviews online (if listed on a rental platform).

Choosing a Safe Neighborhood

Safest Areas in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh has a mix of very safe and not-so-safe neighborhoods. Stick to areas with a known expat population and solid infrastructure.

Top safe zones include:

• BKK1/BKK2: Modern, secure, full of condos and cafes.

• Toul Kork: Quiet residential vibe, popular with families.

• Russian Market Area (Toul Tom Poung): Affordable, relaxed, and close to conveniences.

Avoid dimly lit alleyways and homes in flood-prone zones. Also, check if your building has 24/7 security or CCTV coverage.

Siem Reap and Kampot Safety

In Siem Reap, most neighborhoods are safe, especially:

• Wat Bo Road and Sala Kamreuk: Popular with expats and close to amenities.

• Downtown: Safe, but can be noisy or busy near Pub Street.

Kampot and Kep are even quieter. Just check for isolated locations or areas that flood during the rainy season. Safety isn’t a major issue in these towns, but emergency response is slower.

How to Research Neighborhoods

Use local expat Facebook groups, forums like Reddit, or chat with expats in cafes and coworking spaces. These platforms are goldmines for honest opinions about neighborhoods.

You can also look for:

• Google Maps street view (limited, but useful)

• Local news sites for crime reports

• Reviews on rental platforms

Inspecting the Property for Security

Lock Quality and Entry Points

Inspect the apartment like a detective. Look for:

• Solid front doors with deadbolt locks

• Metal grilles on windows, especially ground floor units

• Secure gates or fences for villas

• Functioning door buzzers or intercoms in condos

You’d be surprised how many rentals have flimsy locks or no internal latches. A small investment in better locks could protect you from big problems later.

Building Security and Staff

In modern condos or apartment buildings, ask about:

• Security guards (Are they 24/7?)

• CCTV cameras (Are they working?)

• Visitor protocols (Can anyone just walk in?)

Ask other tenants or neighbors if they’ve experienced theft, break-ins, or maintenance issues. Some places look nice but have terrible internal security.

Flooding, Fire Hazards, and Maintenance

Cambodia’s monsoon season can cause serious flooding. Ask:

• Has the property flooded before?

• Is it built above street level?

• Are there drainage issues?

Look for:

• Fire extinguishers or smoke detectors (often missing)

• Exposed wiring or leaky pipes

• Signs of mold or poor ventilation

You’re not just checking for comfort—you’re checking for safety.