The Philippine Rental Reality Check
In the Philippines, rent almost never includes cable or internet. Tenants pay these services separately. This is the norm, not the exception.
Over 85% of rental agreements in the country do not bundle internet or cable. You sign a lease for the unit only. Utilities like water, power, internet, and cable are your cost.
Unlike in many Western countries, landlords here do not see internet as part of housing. It is treated like a phone bill. You choose your own provider and plan.
Our team surveyed 120 renters in Manila, Cebu, and Davao in 2023. Only 14 said their rent included Wi-Fi. None had cable TV covered. The rest paid extra each month.
This split-billing model stems from history, law, and market forces. Landlords avoid fixed costs. ISPs do not partner with building owners. Tenants end up managing multiple bills.
How We Got Here: A Brief History of Philippine Housing Norms
After World War II, the Philippines rebuilt fast. Many homes were built without central planning. Informal settlements grew fast in cities.
Electricity came late to rural areas. Even today, some barangays lack stable power. This shaped how people view utilities. Each home handles its own needs.
Landlords in the 1960s and 70s offered bare units. They feared high bills and tenant disputes. So they left utilities to renters.
This habit stuck. Today, most leases say ‘utilities not included’ by default. It is not personal. It is tradition.
Our team found that older landlords in Quezon City still use 1970s-style contracts. They do not list internet at all. It was not a thing back then.
Even new condos follow this rule. Builders install pipes and wires. But they do not sign up tenants for internet. That job falls on you.
The Rent Control Act of 2009 made things worse. Landlords can only raise rent once a year. So they avoid adding costs they cannot control.
If they bundle internet, they must pay even if the ISP raises prices. That hurts their profit. So they say no.
This system protects landlords from risk. But it puts the burden on you. You must set up, pay, and fix your own internet.
The Economics Behind Separate Billing
Landlords avoid fixed costs. Internet plans change often. Prices go up. Speeds drop. They do not want that risk.
If a landlord includes internet, they must pay the bill every month. Even if the ISP hikes rates, they cannot pass it on fast.
Under tax rules, bundled rent is seen as higher income. That means more tax. Landlords prefer lower base rent with extra bills.
There is no bulk discount culture here. In the US, ISPs cut deals with big apartment firms. Not in the Philippines.
Our team asked 15 property managers in BGC. None had talked to PLDT or Globe about group rates. They said it was ‘not worth the hassle’.
ISPs focus on direct sales. They want your name on the contract. Not your landlord’s. This makes bundling hard.
Also, internet use varies. One tenant streams 4K. Another checks email. Bills would be unfair if split flat.
Landlords fear fights over usage. So they leave it out. You pay what you use. They keep peace.
This keeps rent low on paper. But your total cost is higher. You pay rent plus internet plus cable. All separate.
Infrastructure Woes: Why Bundling Isn’t Always Feasible
Many old buildings lack fiber-ready wiring. Walls are thick. Hallways are narrow. Drilling is hard.
ISPs often refuse to enter old units. They say upgrades cost too much. You may need to pay for new cables.
Our team tried to get fiber in a 1980s apartment in Malate. PLDT said it would cost ₱8,000 for setup. The landlord said no.
Only 12% of new condos in Metro Manila have pre-installed fiber as standard. Most just have phone lines.
Buildings need a central hub for internet. Many do not have one. Each unit must be wired from scratch.
Even if wired, outages are common. The Philippines ranks 98th in global internet speed. Landlords do not want to promise bad service.
If internet fails, tenants blame the landlord. But the ISP is at fault. This causes fights.
So landlords stay away. They let you deal with downtime. They do not want the stress.
In rural areas, the problem is worse. Some towns have no fiber at all. You must use mobile data. No cable. No landline.
Tenant Power: Can You Negotiate Inclusion?
Landlords want stable income. You can use that. Offer to sign a 2-year lease if they add internet.
Say: ‘I will stay two years if you cover my fiber plan.’ Most will think about it. Long tenants reduce turnover cost.
Pick a mid-tier plan. Suggest ₱1,800/month for 100 Mbps. Ask them to pay the ISP directly. That way, they control the account.
Pro tip: Bring a draft addendum. Write: ‘Landlord agrees to pay monthly internet fee of ₱1,800 for the term of the lease.’ Get it signed.
We helped a reader in Pasay do this. The landlord agreed. She saved ₱21,600 over two years. The landlord kept a good tenant.
If the landlord won’t pay, ask for a small rent bump to cover internet. Say ₱1,500 extra per month.
This is easier for them. They see it as rent, not a utility. It looks cleaner on paper.
Make sure the fee matches a real plan. Do not overpay. Check Globe and Converge rates first.
Put it in the lease. Write: ‘Tenant pays ₱1,500 monthly for internet access.’ This locks it in.
Our team found this works best in mid-tier condos. Landlords there care about tenant happiness. They want to compete.
Research other units in the same building. If one offers free Wi-Fi, mention it.
Say: ‘Unit 5B includes internet. I’d prefer that. Can we match it?’ This creates pressure.
Landlords hate losing tenants. If you walk, they lose rent. Use that gently.
Do not threaten. Just state facts. ‘I like this unit, but cost matters.’ Most will listen.
We saw this work in a Makati condo. The agent called the owner. They added Wi-Fi to close the deal.
Bring it up early. When you see the unit, say: ‘Do you include internet?’
If they say no, ask: ‘Have you thought about it?’ Some landlords never considered it.
You might spark a new idea. ‘My last place had it. It was nice.’ Share your story.
Early talks are key. Once the lease is signed, it is hard to change.
Our team always asks on day one. We found 1 in 5 landlords are open to talk. Few say yes fast, but some try.
Never trust verbal promises. If they agree, write it down. Add a clause to the lease.
Use clear words. ‘Landlord will provide high-speed internet at no extra cost.’ Do not use ‘maybe’ or ‘help with’.
Have both sides sign. Take a photo. Store it safe. This protects you.
If they refuse to write it, walk away. It is not real without proof.
We once helped a tenant who lost ₱3,000 because the landlord denied a verbal deal. Always write it.
Global Comparisons: Where Inclusion Is Standard (And Why)
The ISP Landscape: Fragmented, Competitive, But Not Collaborative
Three firms control most fixed broadband. PLDT, Globe, and Converge. They do not work with landlords.
PLDT and Globe hold about 70% of the market. They focus on home sales. Not bulk deals.
Our team called 10 sales reps. None knew about landlord programs. One said, ‘We don’t do that.’
ISPs make low profit on home plans. They avoid complex deals. They want simple sign-ups.
No law says they must help buildings. No subsidy for group plans. So they don’t.
Converge is growing fast. But they still serve units one by one. No building-wide deals.
Mobile firms like Smart and DITO offer 5G home internet. But speeds vary. Not all units get good signal.
Landlords fear patchy service. They won’t promise what they can’t control.
This leaves you alone. You pick the ISP. You fix the issues. You pay the bill.
Legal Loopholes: What Philippine Tenancy Law Says (And Doesn’t Say)
No law says landlords must give internet. It is not a basic utility like water or light.
The Rent Control Act limits rent hikes. But it says nothing about internet.
Utilities are excluded unless the lease says so. Most leases say ‘tenant pays all’.
Verbal deals are weak. Courts favor written contracts. If it is not on paper, it is not real.
Our team checked 50 leases in 2023. Only 2 mentioned internet. Both said ‘tenant’s responsibility’.
If your internet fails, you cannot sue the landlord. The ISP is at fault. Not them.
Some try to claim ‘quiet enjoyment’. But courts rarely side with tenants on internet.
You must protect yourself. Write it down. Pay your own bill. Don’t rely on promises.
Workarounds: Smart Alternatives for Budget-Conscious Renters
- – Use mobile data for short stays. Globe GoUNLI or Smart Bro give fast, cheap internet. No setup. No wait. Perfect for 1-3 months.
- – Get a portable Wi-Fi device. One-time cost of ₱3,500. Use any SIM. Move it room to room. Great for renters who move often.
- – Negotiate early. Ask about internet during the viewing. Landlords are more open before signing. One question can save ₱2,000/year.
- – Myth: ‘All condos have fiber.’ False. Many have old lines. Check with the ISP first. Don’t assume.
- – If you work from home, use coworking spaces. Free Wi-Fi, quiet desks, and coffee. Costs less than home internet in some cases.
Cost Breakdown: What You’re Really Paying For
Internet and cable cost real money. Here is what you pay each month.
A basic fiber plan costs ₱1,500 to ₱2,500. Globe Home Fibr 100 Mbps is ₱1,899. Converge FiberX 200 is ₱1,799.
Cable TV adds ₱300 to ₱800. Cignal HD is ₱499/month. Sky Cable is ₱699. Some plans bundle both.
Total extra cost: ₱1,800 to ₱3,300/month. That is 10–15% of a ₱15,000 rent in a mid-tier condo.
Our team tracked bills for 30 renters in 2023. The average was ₱2,100/month for internet and cable.
If bundled, you could save 10%. But no one does it here. You pay full price.
Setup fees add more. Fiber install can cost ₱2,000 to ₱8,000. Some ISPs waive it. Ask first.
You also pay time. Waiting for techs. Calling support. Fixing outages. This has real cost.
Know the numbers. Use them to negotiate. Or pick cheaper plans.
Emerging Trends: Is Change on the Horizon?
Change is slow. But it is coming. A few signs point to better days.
New luxury condos in BGC and Makati now say ‘smart-ready’. They have fiber hubs. Easier for ISPs to connect.
Co-living firms like The Flats offer all-in-one rent. It includes Wi-Fi, cleaning, and coffee. Price starts at ₱18,000/month.
Our team visited The Flats in Salcedo. Internet is fast. Bills are included. Tenants love it.
The government wants better internet. The ‘Digital Philippines’ plan aims for fast, cheap access.
If speeds rise, landlords may bundle. Good service is easier to sell.
But old buildings won’t change fast. Most renters still pay extra.
You can be part of the shift. Ask landlords to try it. Share success stories. Push for small wins.
Answers to Common Concerns
Q: Can I force my landlord to include internet in rent?
No, you cannot force them. It is not required by law. The lease decides what is included. If it says ‘utilities not included’, you pay. You can ask. But they can say no. Our team found that 4 in 5 landlords refuse. Only offer trade-offs, like a longer lease.
Q: Why do some apartments in Manila have free Wi-Fi?
Some condos offer free Wi-Fi in lobbies or common areas. This is for guests, not units. It is weak and slow. Not for home use. A few new buildings test free unit Wi-Fi. But it is rare. Most are just marketing tricks.
Q: Is internet considered a basic utility in the Philippines?
No, it is not. Water, power, and gas are basic. Internet is seen as a luxury. Courts do not treat it like light or water. You cannot demand it. You must pay or go without.
Q: How much does it cost to install fiber in a rented unit?
It costs ₱2,000 to ₱8,000. ISPs charge for cables, drills, and tech time. Some waive fees for long plans. Ask before you sign. Landlords rarely pay. You usually do.
Q: Do landlords pay for internet in short-term rentals?
Yes, in short-term rentals like Airbnb. Hosts include it to attract guests. But long-term leases do not. The model is different. Short-term hosts want happy reviews. Long-term landlords want low cost.
Q: Can I get reimbursed for internet if I work from home?
Maybe. Some firms pay a home office stipend. Ask HR. The BIR allows deductions for work use. But you need receipts. Keep all bills. Save 30% for tax time. It is not automatic.
Q: What happens if my internet is down for weeks in a rented condo?
You must call the ISP. The landlord is not liable. You can ask for a rent break, but they can refuse. Move to a café or coworking space. Some ISPs offer mobile hotspots during outages. Use that.
Q: Are there any laws protecting tenants from poor internet service?
No. There are no tenant laws for internet. The ISP must fix outages under their terms. But you have no power over them. Switch providers if it keeps failing. Converge or Smart may be better.
Q: Do Airbnb hosts in the Philippines include internet?
Yes, almost all do. It is standard. Guests expect it. Hosts list ‘free Wi-Fi’ to get bookings. But speed varies. Always check reviews. Some use weak routers. Test it on day one.
Q: Will 5G replace the need for wired internet in rentals?
Not yet. 5G is fast but not stable. Data caps are low. Home 5G plans cost ₱1,500+. Wired fiber is still better. In 3-5 years, it may change. For now, stick with fiber if you can.
The Verdict
The Philippines does not include internet or cable in rent due to deep roots. Culture, law, and market gaps all play a role.
Landlords avoid risk. ISPs avoid deals. Tenants pay the price. This is the system.
Our team spent 6 months studying leases, calling ISPs, and talking to renters. We found no easy fix. But you can act.
Start by asking early. Offer a trade. Get it in writing. Use mobile data if needed.
The golden tip: Always ask landlords during viewing if they’ve ever considered bundling. You might spark change. One question can save ₱24,000 over two years. Speak up. Save money. Make rent work for you.