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☛ EN Advice Flat or House: How to Rent in Moscow

Discussion in 'Moscow' started by texkourgan, Aug 28, 2013.

  1. texkourgan

    texkourgan Addicted member
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    Hello!

    One of the first things to do when settling in Moscow is to find a home. In order to rent a flat (or a house) you should familiarize yourself with the area, determine where you want to live, and evaluate what you need. Consider access to shops, schools, transport, and work.

    If you have already been through the process of selecting a home in Moscow, you can provide valuable advice on how and why you selected your home, and provide tips for people moving to your area.

    How did you find your accommodation? Estate agent or classifieds? Did you use a website? Or did you find your place through friends or word-of-mouth?

    Was it quick to find or did it take a long time? What are the essential points you considered (transport, schools, shops… etc).

    How much is the average price of accommodation? What are the costs involved for renting? Do you need a deposit? Guarantees?

    What are the formalities and the contract requirements in Moscow? Are there important clauses members should consider? Is there an inventory? What are the conditions for leaving or giving notice?

    Please offer your advice or questions! This is a tricky step in moving abroad and personal advice, mistakes to avoid and things to consider are extremely helpful.

    Thanks in advance for sharing your experience! :cool:
     
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  2. ddekker

    ddekker New Member

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    We found a rental apartment in Moscow but it took us 2 months to find the right one.
    We used a recommended estate agent. They ask a 1 month rent fee for their services.
    I also used a website to look myself. When I saw certain flats I liked, I would tell my estate agent and she would make an appointment with the Landlord. The website is: http://www.cian.ru/cat.php?deal_type=1&obl_id=1

    We wanted to live in a bit more green environment, but not far from the city centre. We heard from colleagues which areas were nice.
    A lot of apartments are old fashioned. Some entrances are very dirty.
    It is very hot in Moscow in the summer, so airconditioning is very important.

    The estate agents takes care of the contract. You need to pay a one month rent as deposit to the Landlord. The contract is in Russian and English. It is possible to have a clause where you can cancel the contract whenever you like (with a 1 month notice).
    Our Landlord bought the furniture for us and even all kinds of appliances, like hoover, coffee machine, iron, etc. This is all mentioned in the contract.

    In Moscow it is very common to pay your rent in cash. The Landlord will collect the rent every month.
    He signs a form every time we pay.
     
  3. Cyrilexpat

    Cyrilexpat Administrator
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    What areas did they recommend?

    What kind of accommodation did you find at the end? Modern appartment?
    :cool:
     
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  4. ddekker

    ddekker New Member

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    It all depends on what you are looking for. The estate agents will ask what your preferences are.
    A lot of expats live in the area of Patriarchy Pond and some live outside of Moscow, in Rosinka for example. If you have children, you will probably be closer to the international schools.

    We ended up in the area of Frunzenskaya. This is only 3 metro stops from the centre. The apartment is very modern with wooden floors and a good kitchen with all appliances. The apartment has heigh ceilings and has a view of the river Moskva. The entrance of the building looks as if you are entering a sauna, but once you are inside of the flat, it all looks very nice.
    We have negotiated to have the gas and electricity included in our rent, so that we don't have the hassle of dealing with paperwork from energy companies. This is very convenient if you are not speaking Russian yet.
     
  5. Cyrilexpat

    Cyrilexpat Administrator
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    That's a very good idea indeed! :thumbup:
     
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