Renting a property in Moscow
Renting in Moscow
Renting here is a new game in comparison to most western countries. Here there is even less market and rent law control. You do sign a contract but it does not really protect you at all. There have been stories of Russian landlords just upping the rent as and when they like. Also they will ask to be paid in cash each month. They will come to your door for the rent. You will also not be allowed to put pictures or shelves on the walls.
It seems in Russia, the landlord views the flat as his during your rental period and some will even go into your flat while you are away. Make sure you find a good landlord and if you feel nervous, walk away.
I also have to say, that many of letting agencies here are pretty suspect and want the rent to be as high as possible as the flat owner will pay them one month's rent for finding them a tenant. The owner may also have an agent and an agent from the company that advertises their property. Sometimes when you visit a flat you will have 3 people with you, the agent, the owner and the flat agent where you found the flat. The owners agent will often not introduce themselves and will just turn up with a mobile glued to his ear throughout the whole flat viewing.
If you can get your company to arrange all and pay for all, you will feel a lot better and less stressed but that is rare these days in Moscow. Gone are the days of paid rents and company help unless you are a CEO or in a similar high position.
When you look round any flat, they don't like you to ask questions, or to raise problems with the flat, they prefer this to be discussed during the contract stage.
Agents will also agree on your terms but when it comes to signing the contract you will see that your terms have not been agreed in the contract. The agent and agents work for the owner and not for you. Be very careful and don't be bullied, walk away if you doubt on the owner or the agent.
The bottom line is, you have very little protection in Russia when you rent a flat. So, dear reader, shop wisely when looking for a flat in Moscow!
Renting here is a new game in comparison to most western countries. Here there is even less market and rent law control. You do sign a contract but it does not really protect you at all. There have been stories of Russian landlords just upping the rent as and when they like. Also they will ask to be paid in cash each month. They will come to your door for the rent. You will also not be allowed to put pictures or shelves on the walls.
It seems in Russia, the landlord views the flat as his during your rental period and some will even go into your flat while you are away. Make sure you find a good landlord and if you feel nervous, walk away.
I also have to say, that many of letting agencies here are pretty suspect and want the rent to be as high as possible as the flat owner will pay them one month's rent for finding them a tenant. The owner may also have an agent and an agent from the company that advertises their property. Sometimes when you visit a flat you will have 3 people with you, the agent, the owner and the flat agent where you found the flat. The owners agent will often not introduce themselves and will just turn up with a mobile glued to his ear throughout the whole flat viewing.
If you can get your company to arrange all and pay for all, you will feel a lot better and less stressed but that is rare these days in Moscow. Gone are the days of paid rents and company help unless you are a CEO or in a similar high position.
When you look round any flat, they don't like you to ask questions, or to raise problems with the flat, they prefer this to be discussed during the contract stage.
Agents will also agree on your terms but when it comes to signing the contract you will see that your terms have not been agreed in the contract. The agent and agents work for the owner and not for you. Be very careful and don't be bullied, walk away if you doubt on the owner or the agent.
The bottom line is, you have very little protection in Russia when you rent a flat. So, dear reader, shop wisely when looking for a flat in Moscow!