There are many different ways to search for an apartment. Here are several
options for finding a place:
BROKER: In general, using a broker is a great idea if you are arranging
a rental from out-of-town, or have more money than time. A broker is responsible
for finding apartments that fit your criteria and making appointments to fit
your schedule. They save you the trouble of filing through expired listings,
and "ghost" apartments that have been placed simply to entice to working with
an expensive broker. For this convenience, the agency will usually take about
10% commission on the annual rent of the apartment. Rental Agencies work similarly
and forum.expat.ru/phonedir
offers a list of companies within Moscow.
You can save you thousands to have a good broker so pay attention to reviews
by former customers and who recommends a company's service. Ask your friends
and family if they have used a broker they could recommend. If you are employed
with a company they may have a broker they work with and you may be able to
use them by contacting your human resources department to use the broker your
company uses.
ON-LINE LISTING: There are a variety of on-line forums and community
listings in which people will list their places or larger companies offer their
apartments. Most searches are free and the selection is massive.
Some examples are:
CLASSIFIEDS: The
Moscow Times offers both a printed classifieds with rental listings and
an on-line site.
BULLETIN BOARDS: On college campuses, churches, grocery stores, schools,
bus stops and outside community centres there are often boards available for
posting local ads. This gives you an idea of the neighbourhood as well as some
useful leads on apartments.
If you are looking for short-term accommodations, Best Moscow Apartment Rentals
can be very convenient. They offer short-term serviced apartments in the centre
of Moscow in the Arbat precinct. Free high speed Wi-Fi Internet, laser printer/scanner/copier
and office stationery for the business traveller. Kitchens are fully equipped
for the visiting gourmet chef. Hotel grade linen and towels are provided, along
with toiletries, washing machine, ironing board and iron, clothes rack and more.
Telephone: +7 926 842 2020
Email: mosrentals@mgaimail.com
To protect yourself when leasing, it is best to sign a written lease. Always
try to read and understand every aspect of the lease because later misunderstandings
can be costly. If it is in Russian and your understanding is not clear, get
someone to translate the document for you. If your landlord does not provide
a lease, here is a sample
letter for your landlord to sign in the presence of a Russian notary as
part of the expatriate visa registration process in Moscow.
Feel free to ask questions like:
1) How long is the lease?
2) How much is the security deposit?
3) Are utilities included in the rent? If not, how much are they?
4) Are pets allowed?
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