Where to begin?
Start by researching the rental real estate market. You can do this independently using specialized online resources. This will give you an idea of prices, neighborhoods, and rental conditions for apartments.
Recently, such popular services as Booking and Airbnb have been unavailable in Belarus. But there is no need to worry, as there are domestic sites for finding accommodation for rent in the country.
Onliner — one of the largest internet portals where you can find rental offers from owners and real estate agencies.
Kufar — a popular resource for booking apartments directly from the owner, but there are also offers from real estate agencies. The disadvantage of this service is that you can register on Kufar only if you have a Belarusian operator's SIM card.
Realt.by — the largest specialized internet portal in Belarus. It contains the most comprehensive database of real estate properties.
Domovita.by - a new housing search service that is in high demand today.
On these platforms:
- You will find all the current offers from owners and agencies.
- Convenient interface and detailed filters will help you navigate through the offers and choose an option based on your requirements.
- A large photo gallery and detailed descriptions will allow you to eliminate options that don't appeal to you at the initial stage of internet search.
Choosing a neighbourhood to live in is an important and crucial moment.
It is important to identify those factors that are very important to you and those that you do not pay much attention to. For example, is it important to you
- that the neighbourhood is new, where only new buildings are located;
- the presence of a school, kindergarten;
- the presence of a park or a large green area near the building;
- that the neighbourhood was quiet, or vice versa, that there were a lot of round-the-clock establishments in your area;
- that the neighbourhood is safe for walking in the evening, with enough streetlights;
- availability of dog walking areas;
- convenient transport links;
- availability of car parking space.
In addition to the above criteria, it is important to consider the time you are willing to spend travelling to work or school if you work or study full-time. For example, if your maximum limit is 30 minutes one way, this can significantly narrow down your choice of neighbourhoods to search for accommodation.
Electronic maps such as Yandex.Maps, Google Maps or 2GIS provide diagrams and satellite images where you can see transport routes, types of buildings, green areas and infrastructure. These maps can help you assess the density of buildings, parks, squares and other public areas.
Using the route guidance function, you can find out how long it will take you to get to work or school and understand whether your flat is suitable for you or not.
By analysing the maps, you can highlight streets and neighbourhoods that are worth exploring in more detail and use the panoramic view function to get a closer look at selected locations.
Cost
The long-term rental market is divided into two segments:
- budget flats (more than half of the market);
- comfort and elite class flats.
International students most often choose comfort-class flats. Lebyazhy, Mayak Minsk, Novaya Borovaya and Minsk Mir neighbourhoods are popular in the comfort class. Elite flats are preferred in Storozhovskaya Street, Pobediteley Avenue and in the Residential Complex ‘Promenade’. Also, the residential complex ‘Levada’ on the bank of Svisloch is becoming more and more popular due to its unique location and variety of flats.
Average cost of rented accommodation in Minsk
Room - $100-120; 1-bedroom apartment - $250-350; 2-bedroom apartment - $450-650; 3-bedroom apartment - $550-800.
As of July 2024, rent of one-bedroom flats in Minsk starts from $200. Flats near the metro in normal condition cost from $250, with furniture - from $350.
Two-bedroom flats far from the metro - from $230, near the metro with repair and furniture - from $350.
Three-bedroom flats start from $280 and go up to $400 for flats with repair and furniture.
If we are talking about flats in elite districts, the rent of one-bedroom flats starts from $350, three-bedroom apartments in the city centre - from $800.
Prices depend on the neighborhood, proximity to the metro, overall condition, availability of furniture, and other amenities. In regional cities of Belarus, the cost is lower by 30-50% compared to Minsk.
Agency
When searching for housing independently, you avoid paying agent fees. However, keep in mind that you will need to invest more time in market research, direct search, and property visits. There is also a risk of encountering fraudsters.
To save time and effort, you can use the services of a real estate agency: receive consultation and access a database of current market offerings, as well as properly handle the transaction.
The cost of the agency's service is 10 basic units, which corresponds to 400 BYN (for 2024). It includes
- selection of flat options;
- preparation and execution of documents;
- agent's support and co-ordination.
The search time varies from one day to a week, depending on the specifics of the request.
Always check the realtor's reviews and never make a prepayment for services before signing a contract with the owner! Payment for realtor services is made upon move-in, after signing the contract.
Property Viewing
Once you have found a suitable option, you should visit the apartment for a viewing. Pay attention to the following:
Location: A convenient location will allow you to quickly reach your educational institution, saving you time and money.
Overall condition and repairs: Inspect the walls, floors, windows, and doors for any damages or leaks. Ensure that all systems are functioning properly (electricity, water supply, heating, etc.).
Size and layout: Consider the availability of storage space. The presence of a balcony and parking space will enhance the comfort level of the new accommodation.
Safety and infrastructure: Find out about the reputation of the neighborhood, accessibility of public transportation, and the availability of shops, banks, medical facilities, etc. Inquire about the neighbors, as this factor can also impact the price.
Internet and connectivity: Check if there is internet access in the apartment. Verify the speed and stability of the network.
Cost: You should clearly discuss the terms of the contract. Clarify whether utilities are included or paid separately. Obtain information about additional payments such as a deposit or agent's commission. Ensure that the conditions align with your financial capabilities and requirements.
Rental terms: Pay attention to the duration of the lease agreement. Most landlords prefer long-term agreements. The contract should specify information about potential price adjustments during the year. Make sure the rental terms align with your plans and needs.
If there is anything you don't understand, don't hesitate to ask questions to the apartment owner or agent. Be confident in expressing your preferences and requirements.
Tenancy agreement
In an attempt to save on tax, many landlords and tenants decide not to enter into a tenancy agreement. But remember that signing a tenancy agreement is an integral and very important part of the transaction. A tenancy agreement helps to document the relationship between two unfamiliar people. And it can specify not only the standard things, but anything at all. Before signing the contract, discuss the key points and ensure that they are documented in the agreement:
- Cost/rental price
- Deposit upon move-in
- Deadline for rent payment
- Payment conditions
- Duration of the lease
- Included services/utilities
- Your rights and obligations
- Landlord's rights and obligations
The agreements specify everything: who will fix the appliances, how many times a month the landlord can come to the flat, whether you can invite guests to the flat, whether you can have pets and other controversial issues.
Take into account that often owners of flats with high-quality renovation, furniture and expensive equipment ask tenants to pay a deposit to avoid damage to furniture and equipment. Legally, this is not an offence. Usually the amount of the deposit is equal to one month's rent.
Be sure to make an act of acceptance or inventory of the property. Yes, you will spend an extra half an hour, but you will not face unfounded accusations of damage to the flat. Everything will be documented.
Registration
According to the legislation of the Republic of Belarus, landlords who provide accommodation to foreigners for a period of one day or more are obliged to report this to the internal affairs authorities.
It is important to take into account that the landlord must register you in the process of concluding a tenancy agreement. There are two types of registration in Belarus:
The search time varies from one day to a week, depending on the specifics of the request.
1. Registration at the place of residence: In this case, a validation of registration is stamped in the tenant's passport. Registration under a tenancy agreement does not give the right to claim square metres at the place of registration. The term of registration corresponds to the terms of the tenancy agreement, and at the end of it it is necessary to check out.
2. Temporary registration at the place of stay: In this case, the tenant is given an insert with the address, but the passport is not stamped. Registration is made solely under the contract of rent or sub-rent and also does not give the right to claim for housing. The maximum period of validity of temporary registration is 1 year.
Benefits of official registration:
- Access to medical care: Official registration enables the foreigner to seek medical care at his/her own expense and use medical services within the registered region.
- Legal protection: A registered tenant has more rights and can seek legal assistance in case of disputes or problems.
- Simplification of administrative procedures: Official registration simplifies the process of various paperwork and avoids problems with local authorities.
Scammers
When contacting an agency, you may encounter a variety of scam schemes. Here are some common examples:
- Fake adverts: Scammers place adverts for properties that do not exist or for flats that have already been rented out. They may use beautiful photos and tempting terms and conditions to attract tenants. After receiving a deposit or commission, they disappear. Therefore, never make an advance payment! The service is paid for when it is rendered.
- False agencies: Fictitious agencies are created that collect money for their ‘services’ without providing real housing options. There are such firms that simply give you a list of phone numbers and you look for accommodation yourself. They provide only informational services. To avoid such situations, carefully read the agreement: what it should give you and what services to provide.
- Incorrect paperwork: Scammers may provide forged or improperly executed documents to make the transaction appear legitimate. This may include forged contracts or false property ownership documents.
To avoid scams, it is recommended to:
- check the reputation of the real estate agency and its licence;
- use verified sources and client testimonials;
- never make an advance payment;
- thoroughly check all documents and terms of the contract before signing.
Remember that a real estate agency does not take money upfront. Any real estate service is paid upon delivery. Money is paid after moving into the flat. At the same time, all tariffs are fixed - all real estate services are prescribed in the decree of the Council of Ministers.
Move-in Process
If a suitable option is found, don't forget to clarify the key points:
- Who is renting - the landlord or an agency?
- If it is an agency, how much does the service cost and when should it be paid?
- Is the price WITH or WITHOUT utilities?
- Is anyone registered in the flat, if yes, how many people (if no one is registered, the utilities are paid at higher rates).
- What furniture and appliances are included in the payment?
Summarising
It is important for tenants who are looking for a flat on their own to be extremely cautious and careful.
The main points we have described in the article are:
- The rental agreement is signed only with the owner or his representative with a notarised power of attorney. You cannot pay money in advance without signing a rental agreement with the landlord;
- There is no charge for viewing the flat or other accommodation. It is the direct duty of a decent agent to show you the property free of charge. Services are paid only after the fact - after you move in.
- It is obligatory to sign a rental contract. Carefully read all the documents you sign.
If the flat has been selected and you are already at the final stage, don't forget to check again:
- Documents from the landlord - passport, flat documents, possibly a power of attorney.
- Presence or absence of arrears on utility payments.
- Serviceability of household appliances and plumbing, furniture mechanisms at the landlord.
After all the checks, you can agree with the landlord on the amount of rent, form of payment, terms of payment of utility bills and generally on the terms of the lease.
