Tips for Signing an Apartment Rental Contract 

Before signing a rental agreement for your apartment, there are certain things you should be aware of. Learn about service fees, duration of the contract, pets, payments, and more in this article. 

If you've already found a suitable apartment, the next step is signing a rental agreement with the owner. This article provides advice on what you should include and exclude from the contract.

Service fees: Be careful and only pay for services that you consume directly. Avoid including items like a "Repair Fund" in the rental agreement fees. Paying for this fund will help the owner save on building repairs, which will ultimately benefit their property. Such fees should not be included in the contract. If you've already signed a contract with such fees, you can demand a refund from the owner.

Data check: Ensure that all the information provided in the rental agreement is accurate. If you're a foreigner who needs to obtain a residence permit or other documents, you'll need a rental agreement. You can verify that the chosen apartment belongs to the owner who is signing the contract with you by checking the Land Register.

Pets: While it is illegal to include a ban on keeping pets in a rental agreement, many landlords do not allow pets. During the apartment viewing, discuss this issue with the owner to avoid any misunderstandings. It is never a good idea to hide or lie about having a pet.

Duration of the contract: Typically, the contract is signed for one year, with the possibility of extension. The extension may either be automatic, or you may need to sign a supplement or new contract. If you have a good relationship with the owner and trust each other, longer-term contracts are possible. Double-check when the contract starts and ends.

Payments: Once you sign the contract, you should pay the first rent and deposit. The deposit usually amounts to one to three monthly rents, depending on the owner's requirements and your mutual agreement. It's not advisable to persuade the owner to accept a smaller deposit because it may decrease their trust in you.

Rent increase: The rent price should be agreed upon in advance for the duration of the contract. The change in price is possible upon contract extension or within the inflation clause. Some landlords include the inflation clause in the contract. If there's an inflation clause in the contract, the owner can increase the rent based on the inflation rate.

Apartment condition: Before signing the contract, carefully examine the apartment's condition and write down any defects. Discuss any defects with the owner to avoid any confusion. Also, check how you plan to maintain the apartment and what is expected of you. It's important to clarify these issues to avoid misunderstandings.