Anyone that has stayed in Moscow long enough knows there’s the narrative that it is difficult to find good apartments in Moscow.
That’s why we are here for you today. The thing about finding a place as a foreigner in Moscow is that you need to be very patient and wise.
Renting an apartment comes with several rules so here’s what you really need to know to avoid stress, fines, or getting scammed.
Use trusted platforms and avoid rental scams: To avoid tales that touch and so that you don’t throw your hard earned money to the wind, use only trusted referrals or sites. Avito.ru and CIAN.ru are the most popular real estate websites.
You can filter listings by price, area, and furniture availability. Even on some of these sites, scammers are just looking for their next prey. So make sure you verify the credibility of the individual and even double check the apartment before paying.
Please never pay money before seeing the apartment and signing a contract. Emphasis on never. Be careful of listings that are unusually cheap or vague in their explanations.
Required documents: Make sure you have all your documents. Landlords will ask for your passport, migration card, and sometimes proof of income or university enrollment.
Registration: Legally, your landlord is supposed to register you at the address. Without this, your legal stay in Russia could be at risk. Registration is NOT optional as a foreigner. It is the law, and both you and the landlord can be fined for improper/fake registration.
Foreigners usually find it hard to find a landlord who is willing to register them. You can ask people who have gotten a place with dependable registration for guidance.
Shared flats: There is also the option of sharing an apartment with someone. This is quite common among students. You rent a room in a shared apartment, usually with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities.
Before you move in, know who you are living with and if you can stay in such living conditions. Talk about habits and house rules so you don’t regret your agreements later.
Be open: When you finally get a house, be ready to talk about yourself, how long you plan to stay, and how you will pay the rent. Landlords in Moscow are often cautious. Don’t take it personal. Just make sure you can prove that you are legal, responsible, and serious.
Be honest: Who is actually living in the apartment with you? Don’t hide roommates. If someone else will stay with you, tell the landlord. Lying can get you evicted or worse, lead to some legal trouble.
Finally, make sure you always sign a written rental agreement.
Renting in Moscow is doable as long as you do everything to update your documents and stay legal. Be upfront, and protect yourself with a solid agreement. Once you can do it right, you’ll have a safe, comfortable place to call home.
Finding decent housing in Russia can be tricky, especially if you’re new to the country or don’t speak much Russian. If possible, always bring a friend who speaks Russian along when viewing apartments or signing rental agreements.
We wish you all the best!
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