Step by Step Guide to Renting in Vilnius
Before deciding on a rental, be sure to check the neighborhood and transportation options (if needed). Find our more: kurgyvenu.lt.
You can search for flats and houses online: aruodas.lt, domoplius.lt, rebaltic.
If you’d prefer to share, there are plenty of apartment share options out there. Flatshares are especially popular among young people in the city, as they are a great way to meet new people and learn more about different cultures.
Alternatively, you can contact an agency. On the website of the Lithuanian Association of Real Estate Agencies you can find contacts of all the main real estate agencies that, for a fee, will find you a place to rent.
Before you sign any kind of accommodation contract make sure you have clear information on any utilities or other associated costs you may need to pay. For a lot of buildings you’ll find you need to pay a monthly communal bill for the upkeep of shared spaces (stairwells, doorways, exteriors, etc.). It’s also a good idea to ask for six months’ worth of gas/electricity bills so that you can have a clear idea of what utilities you may need to pay for.
It’s important to note that not all landlords have a working knowledge of English or Russian. If you are not able to speak directly to your landlord it is essential that you find a reliable intermediary. You can contact the Lithuanian Association of Real Estate Agencies via their web page and they will help mediate between you and the landlord. You may have to pay an agency fee, which can fall between €100 and €200.
It is essential that you make a contract with the property owner or their legal representative irrespective of whether you are renting or buying. This is a fairly straightforward process as in many cases, you’ll find they already have a template contract. Your contract is your protection if there are any problems.
You’ll need to keep a copy of the contract once it has been signed. Be sure to have a copy in English as well as Lithuanian.
You’ll have to agree with the landlord on the main terms: price, rent period, deposit size, payments (transfer or cash), inventory list or pictures of the property.
Your landlord might also require a security deposit that will be calculated proportionally based on the property’s price and is usually equal to 1-3 months of rent. The deposit will be paid back to you when you finish the contract. Be sure to pay the money after the contract is signed, not before.
Never give any money to a landlord prior to signing your contract. If you pay before you sign, you will have very little security for your deposit. Always make sure you have the final, signed agreement in your hands before you provide any money.
Never be scared to ask questions or think a question is too obvious. The more questions you ask, the more transparent the transaction and less likely it’ll be that you’ll have problems later on.
Important tip: Every permanent resident of Lithuania (including foreigners with a residence permit) have to declare their residency in Lithuania. If you are living in a rented apartment, your owner will need to provide their written consent when you register.
Seasonality in the rental market
If you are looking to rent, it’s best that you avoid searching in August and September. This is the beginning of the University academic year and the market is flooded with students. This influx also inflates prices. Ideally, you should start looking at the beginning of the year, or late summer.
Average apartment rents
Rental prices vary across the city, with a nice apartment in the center setting you back as much as €1000 (still very reasonable in comparison to many other EU capitals). If you are more inclined to settling further from the center and explore the suburbs, you’ll discover the prices drop quite substantially.
Apartment rent in Vilnius (1,2,3 rooms)
Apartments in the city are divided into 1, 2 and 3 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 3-room apartment. And as you’d expect, the cost of the apartment will depend on the number of rooms, although you’ll find that the area also factors heavily into the price.
Step by step guide to buying a flat or a house
