Relocating to Albania can be fun and exciting until it’s time to hunt for a place to stay. The process of finding a suitable apartment can be tiresome, especially for expats who have no previous connections to the country. However, this doesn’t mean you should give up on the search for the perfect home for you, which you’ll enjoy just as much as the beautiful beaches or the great weather.
To help you out, I came up with a detailed guide on how to rent an apartment in Albania as a foreigner. Here you’ll learn where to look for rentals, how to plan a budget with realistic expectations, and some useful insights. Let’s dive in!
Table Of Contents
How To Rent An Apartment In Albania?
There are a few ways to find rentals in Albania as listed below.
Real Estate Agents
There are many real estate agencies in Albania that will help find the ideal apartment to rent in a rather short time. This is the safest and quickest way for foreigners because it will spare them a lot of time and headaches. Real estate agents are familiar with the area and can look up properties on your behalf, depending on your budget limits and specific requests you might have.
For those who want something more luxurious, your agent will make sure that your new rental has all the desired perks, whether it is a private pool, a big balcony, a reserved parking spot, or a garage. All these facilities might cost a fortune in Western Europe but come at favorable prices in Albania.
Online Rental Platforms
The internet is a great tool when it comes to searching for apartment rentals in Albania. There are a handful of online rental platforms, like MarrJep.al, Celesi, and Njoftime.com, which are very popular in Albania. Using the website’s filters, you can add specific requests, such as air conditioning, location, or spacious space, to make the search easier for yourself. Usually, the owner publishes their contact number so that you can directly talk to them.
Local Advertisements
Albanian landlords still prefer to use local advertisements as one of their main ways to find new tenants. If you want to rent in a specific neighborhood or area, it would be a smart idea to look for notification flyers in buildings, community boards, or local newspapers. These advertisements also have key information about popular amenities, like a well-equipped kitchen or full furnishings. Be mindful if the sign is to rent (me qera) or to sell (në shitje).
To talk with the owner, you can phone the contact number on the flyers and ask for more information or see the apartment yourself. It’s important to highlight that most landlords that use local advertisements are looking for long-term rentals, so make sure you let them know if you are planning to stay for a considerable time or not.
Word Of Mouth
Personal recommendations go a long way in Albania, where the local communities are very keen on helping each other out. Many apartments or houses don’t even make it to the local advertisement tools on online platforms, because they are rented based on the connections people have.
Don’t be discouraged though. The Albanian culture is very welcoming and hospitable towards foreigners. So you might as well start asking around, everyone you know whether they are new friends or colleagues. Albanian will do their best to help you find a new welcoming environment, and with a bit of luck, you’ll be living in your new home in no time.
The Rentals Contract In Albania
When renting a house or an apartment in Albania is necessary to sign a binding legal contract, or as it’s known in English a lease. The agreement must always be made in the presence of a certified notary, who prepares the lease document. Important details such as the rent price, payment terms, maintenance, duration, or other responsibilities of the tenant and the landlord, are specified on the lease.
That’s why you should always make sure to read it carefully before signing it. Check out for any hidden costs or penalties for different damages, so you don’t have any unpleasant surprises further along.
Don’t worry if you are not fluent in Albanian language; just ask for a translation of the document in English or your own native language. These contracts are pretty standard in Albania, but you can always seek professional legal guidance through a lawyer if you think that’s necessary.
Useful Tips For Renting An Apartment In Albania
This article on how to rent an apartment in Albania would be incomplete without some insightful tips, that can help you as you search for a new place, you’ll make a home.
Here are some things you might want to know.
- Hidden Fees: Usually, in Albania, everyone has to pay some fees for the maintenance of the building, or the cleansing of the common spaces. The fees can be slightly higher if the building is new, or has a lift. For rentals, is the tenant that pays the fee so make sure to ask the landlord beforehand, so you can budget accordingly.
- Deposit: The rental deposit is not a fixed amount, and it always varies on the rent price of the apartment. Usually, the landlords ask for a month or two payments in advance, but depending on the location and the property, some owners can ask for three to six months of advance. Having some food negotiation skills could be very handy when reaching an agreement for this part.
- Maintenance: The landlord is responsible for paying for certain damages like leaking pipes, previous tears, or the breakdown of the appliances. However, other small damages or issues are the responsibility of the tenant, especially if caused by him/her. That’s why you should take notes or even pictures of the apartment before moving in. It will take little time, but can spare you a lot of money, in the future.
- Overpaying: No one wants to pay more than is necessary, so make sure to ask how the average prices in the area. By simply comparing the prices you’ll make sure to have a fair deal. If you are looking for a place in the city center or beach areas, expect higher prices.
- Beware of scams: If you are looking for rent all on your own, without a trusted friend or a real estate agent is important to be careful. Some common scams are higher prices or hidden damages, that you wouldn’t know until moving in. Make sure to check on the property, before signing a lease.
Plan Your Budget
Albania has the reputation of being an affordable country but this isn’t necessarily true in all cases. If you are going to be a digital nomad in Albania, you should be mindful of your spending and make a budget plan to track all the expenses. Same as in other countries, the rent depends on the location, the size of the apartment, and all the facilities. The capital, Tirana is the priciest, but it also offers more options from luxury villas to one-bedroom apartments.
Here’s a breakdown of the tight budget for expenses in Tirana. The prices in other major cities like Shkodra, Durres, or Vlora are in the same range. In rural regions, the rent prices are usually at the lower end, due to less demand.
| Expenses | One bedroom Apartment |
|---|---|
| Rent | €200–€600 |
| Utilities cost (Electricity, Water, Internet) | €50–€100 |
| Security deposit | 1–2 months’ rent |
How Do You Say Rent An Apartment In Albanian?
In Albanian, the phrase “rent an apartment” translates as marr me qera një apartament.
Related Albanian Vocabulary
Learning some basic words and phrases in Albanian might be very useful to rent an apartment in Albania.
FAQs On Renting An Apartment In Albania
1. What Are The Most Reliable Ways To Find An Apartment In Albania?
The most reliable ways to find an apartment in Albania are through real estate agents, online rental platforms, local advertisements, or word of mouth, by using personal connections.
2. What Should I Look For In A Rental Contract In Albania?
Rental contracts in Albania are pretty standard and usually include essential details such as the rental price, payment terms, duration, and maintenance responsibilities. The lease must always be signed in the presence of a certified notary.
3. What Are Common Rental Expenses In Albania?
The common rental expenses in Albania vary from $200–$600, with utility bills adding an extra $50-$100. The rent price depends on the location, the size of the apartment, and the facilities offered.
Conclusion
This is everything you need to know on how to rent an apartment in Albania. For the most part, the process is simple; after finding the most suitable place and offer, you need to sign a lease with the landlord. Make sure to do so in the presence of a notary, and ask that the document be translated into English or your native tongue.
Language barriers can be a problem, especially in smaller cities, so make sure to have an Albanian friend by your side or maybe hire a real estate agent. Consider downloading Ling to learn the language, and make sure to check our Albanian blog for more cultural insights.
