Housing

Renting

Finding a rental apartment in capital cities might be a challenge, so here’s a short step-by-step guide on how to make the process run smoothly, as well as a few tips just FYI:

1. Decide on location – every little part of the city has its perks, so read up about them or contact the relevant eldership (https://vilnius.lt/lt/savivaldybe/ seniunijos-ir-bendruomenes/) to find out more about it before deciding whether it’s a good fit for you!

2. Find out everything about payments, utilities and other costs if you’re interested in an apartment.

3. Make sure you deal directly with the owner or legal representative (real estate agent).

4. Draw up a contract with the owner or legal representative.

5. Sign the contract in two languages: Lithuanian and another – one that you understand.

6. Agree on the main terms: price, rent period, deposit size, payment type, inventory list and pictures.

7. Make your first payment after the contract is signed, not before.

8. Ask questions!

You can search for flat and home rentals online using: Aruodas (aruodas.lt), Domoplius (domoplius.lt), Rebaltic (rebaltic.lt) and Homerental (homerental.lt)

Tips that will help you move forward:

• Apartments in the city are divided into one, two and three (and so on) room apartments. Unlike other countries, this doesn’t mean bedrooms, but all rooms. So, if you’re looking for two bedrooms, you’ll need to search for a threeroom apartment. And as you’d expect, the cost of an apartment will depend on the number of rooms, although you’ll find that the area and condition of the flat also factor heavily into the price.

• If you’re looking to rent, it’s best to avoid searching in August and September, if you have the flexibility. This is the beginning of the school year and the market is flooded with university students. This influx also inflates prices.

• Rental prices vary across the city, with a nice apartment in the centre setting you back as much as EUR 800-1,200 (still very reasonable compared to many other EU capitals). If you’re more inclined to settling further from the centre and exploring the suburbs, you’ll discover that prices drop considerably.

• Your landlord might also require a security deposit, which is usually equal to one to three months’ rent. The deposit will be returned to you upon termination of the contract.

• When viewing apartments, make sure you ask to see previous utility and service bills!

• When dealing through a representative, upon signing a rental contract you will be charged a one-time fee that varies from EUR 100 to 500.