Some agencies like HouseLink have requests in Punta Cana for up to 40 economic units requested by Haitian citizens.
SANTO DOMINGO - Although in most cases they are payers and present credentials that guarantee their economic solvency, some of the Haitians who seek housing in the Dominican Republic encounter resistance from owners who refuse to move citizens of that country into their homes.
“In Santo Domingo East, there are places where they don't want to rent to Haitians, even in budget apartments, because they say they move in like the Chinese and wreck the place. In Ciudad Juan Bosch, after renting to two students, we had to return their money because the condominium administration wouldn't let them into the building,” says Annie Gómez of HouseLink.
He mentions that some contracts include a clause to limit the number of people allowed in the property. "But in the end, the owner decides whether or not to accept that tenant," he clarifies.
“Most Haitians are renting, and many landlords don’t want Haitians in their properties,” says a real estate agent who does not want her identity revealed.
Alberto Bernadó of Larimar Home currently has seven rental applications in the eastern part of the city. He says they are reliable tenants who pay their rent. “They don't ask for extra requirements, but they do require maximum guarantees, which are sometimes difficult for them to obtain.”.
At the highest level
“I have encountered Haitians with the best of intentions who can invest in the United States and have decided to bring their capital to the country, but they are discouraged by the mistreatment and poor service they receive from both construction companies and banks, who do not give them the treatment they deserve even when they show their guarantee,” explains Adrian Méndez of Silver Real Estate.
He adds that he has had clients of other nationalities who are not held to such high standards, but when they are of Haitian origin, it is sometimes "uncomfortable" that they are treated differently, as they are people who have a much better profile than any Dominican.
Currently, his agency is processing more than 8 Haitian clients for investments in Punta Cana, Jacobo Majluta and Evaristo Morales, cases in which everything is going well because he has offered them good advice.
Demand remains high
Housing requests continue to skyrocket, and given the critical situation in Haiti, they increase daily. A representative from HouseLink says they have over 40 affordable units in Punta Cana requested by Haitians. “We have a rental for US$1,400 with appliances and a furnished one-bedroom apartment for sale in Naco; an 11 million dollar house in Cuesta Hermosa; a penthouse off-plan for US$300,000; and we are currently working with five investment clients,” she told a group of advisors from various agencies in an interview with El Inmobiliario .
“I have several requests in Bella Vista, Punta Cana, Esperilla and Naco, both for rent and for lease,” declared Yahaira Montero of Servicios Premium Montero Zala Real Estate.
“Haitians are not only buying houses, they are also starting businesses in the country,” said Antonia González, a real estate advisor, who has clients with needs in Bella Vista and Arroyo Hondo.
The budget for the requested houses is US$400,000; he has four cases of that type. He states that in the university area, he has also received requests for commercial spaces for businesses priced at US$200,000 and up.
