Setting up your Mexico City apartment: the home repairs most expats need first

Whether you've just moved to Mexico City or you're settling into a new apartment, there are a handful of things most expats find they need to sort out early on. Some are obvious, some aren't — but all of them are easier to deal with before they become problems.

1. Water filtration — stop buying garrafones

Tap water in Mexico City is not safe to drink directly. Most expats start by buying garrafones (large water jugs) delivered to the apartment, which is expensive, heavy and creates plastic waste. The better long-term solution is an under-sink water filter or reverse osmosis system installed at the kitchen tap. It pays for itself within two to three months of what you'd spend on garrafones. See our water filter service →

2. Furniture assembly

If you've just moved in and bought furniture from Liverpool, IKEA, Amazon México or Home Depot, assembly can eat an entire weekend — especially if you don't have tools. We do furniture assembly across Mexico City and can usually handle multiple pieces in a single visit. See our furniture assembly service →

3. Electrical check

Older apartments in Roma, Condesa and Polanco often have electrical installations that weren't designed for modern appliances. If you're planning to use a washing machine, air conditioner or multiple large appliances, it's worth having someone check whether the circuits can handle the load before a breaker trips at an inconvenient moment.

4. Water pressure assessment

If your apartment has low water pressure, the cause isn't always obvious — it could be a building issue, a pump problem, or something specific to your unit. Worth diagnosing before you assume it's unfixable.

5. Lock and key situation

If you've moved into an apartment where previous tenants had keys, changing the lock cylinder is a sensible security step and a relatively inexpensive chambita. We handle lock replacements across CDMX.

6. Roof waterproofing check (if you have an azotea)

If your apartment comes with azotea access, check the condition of the waterproofing before the rainy season starts in May-June. A compromised impermeabilizante is the most common source of ceiling leaks. See our waterproofing service →