What is the rental market like for foreigners in Russia? - Wander Russia 2025 Guide

Rental market in Russia

The rental market for foreigners in Russia can vary depending on the city, property type, and your specific requirements (such as whether you’re looking for short-term or long-term rental options). In major cities like Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Kazan, the rental market is generally well-developed and offers a variety of options. However, some challenges may arise for foreigners, such as language barriers, bureaucratic procedures, and higher costs in large urban centers. Below is a comprehensive overview of the rental market for foreigners in Russia:

1. Rental Market Overview

• Large Cities: In major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, the rental market is relatively strong due to the high demand for both residential and commercial properties. These cities attract a lot of foreign nationals, expats, business professionals, and students, leading to a broad range of rental options. The rental prices in these cities are the highest in Russia.
  • Moscow is the most expensive city, with high rental demand for apartments in the city center and business districts.
  • St. Petersburg is somewhat more affordable but still a major city for tourists, students, and businesspeople.
• Smaller Cities and Rural Areas: Cities such as Volgograd, Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, and Yekaterinburg offer more affordable rent than the larger cities. These cities are growing economically and attracting more foreign nationals, but the rental market may be less competitive and have fewer amenities than in Moscow or St. Petersburg.
• Rental Demand: In larger cities, rental demand is largely driven by:
  • Expats and Foreign Professionals: Moscow and St. Petersburg attract multinational companies and embassies, so there is a steady demand for rental properties among foreign professionals, managers, and workers.
  • Tourists: Short-term rentals (such as Airbnb) are popular, especially in tourist-heavy areas.
  • Students: Major cities like St. Petersburg, Moscow, and Kazan also have a significant number of international students, increasing demand for both short-term and long-term rentals.

2. Types of Rental Properties

Foreigners can rent various types of properties in Russia, ranging from budget apartments to luxury homes. Common rental options include:

• Apartments: The most common form of rental property in urban areas. Foreigners typically rent one-bedroom apartments or studios in city centers, but there are also larger apartments available for families or groups.
  • In Moscow and St. Petersburg, you can find apartments ranging from budget studios to luxury penthouses in high-demand areas.
• Furnished vs. Unfurnished: Most rental properties in major cities are fully furnished, especially for short-term leases. Long-term rentals can be either furnished or unfurnished, but furnished apartments are more common for foreigners.
• Short-Term Rentals: Short-term rentals are popular for tourists, business travelers, or people on temporary work assignments. Services like Airbnb, Booking.com, and DailyRent offer furnished apartments for short stays, often for monthly rentals or even weekly stays.
• Commercial Properties: For business owners, commercial rental properties such as office spaces and retail stores are widely available, especially in business districts and areas near transport hubs in major cities.

3. Rental Prices

The cost of renting property in Russia is determined by factors such as location, property size, and property type. Here is an overview of typical rental prices:

• Moscow:
  • One-bedroom apartment in the city center: 50,000 to 80,000 rubles per month ($650 to $1,000).
  • One-bedroom apartment outside the city center: 30,000 to 50,000 rubles per month ($400 to $650).
  • Luxury apartments in prime areas can cost significantly more, ranging from 100,000 rubles ($1,300) and upwards.
• St. Petersburg:
  • One-bedroom apartment in the city center: 40,000 to 70,000 rubles per month ($500 to $900).
  • One-bedroom apartment outside the city center: 25,000 to 40,000 rubles per month ($300 to $500).
  • Luxury apartments in central areas can cost anywhere from 70,000 rubles ($900) upwards.
• Other Major Cities (e.g., Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Samara):
  • One-bedroom apartment in the city center: 25,000 to 50,000 rubles per month ($300 to $650).
  • One-bedroom apartment outside the city center: 15,000 to 30,000 rubles per month ($200 to $400).
• Smaller Cities and Rural Areas:
  • Rent in smaller cities and rural areas can be significantly cheaper, with one-bedroom apartments costing 10,000 to 20,000 rubles per month ($130 to $250).

4. Lease Terms and Conditions

Rental contracts in Russia are generally signed for long-term or short-term leases, with terms typically lasting from 6 months to 1 year for long-term leases.

• Long-Term Leases: Most leases are signed for 1-year terms, with the possibility of renewal. Rent payments are typically made monthly, and tenants often pay a security deposit (usually equivalent to 1 month’s rent).
• Short-Term Leases: For foreigners who are staying in Russia temporarily, short-term rentals are common. Short-term leases can range from 1 month to 6 months, with rent being slightly higher than long-term options. Many landlords offer fully furnished apartments for Airbnb-style stays.
• Utilities and Extra Costs: Rent usually covers the cost of the apartment itself, but tenants are often required to pay for utilities such as electricity, water, and gas separately. In some cases, internet and TV subscriptions may also be the responsibility of the tenant. It’s important to clarify whether utilities are included in the rent when negotiating the lease.
• Landlord and Tenant Rights: Landlords and tenants in Russia have legal rights under the Civil Code of the Russian Federation. The landlord must provide the apartment in habitable condition, and the tenant has the right to live in the property for the duration of the lease. However, tenants should be cautious of unreasonable clauses, such as high security deposits or unclear terms, and should consult a local lawyer if they have concerns.

5. Legal Considerations for Foreigners Renting Property in Russia

Foreigners can legally rent property in Russia, but there are some legal considerations to be aware of:

• Registration of Residence: Foreigners who stay in Russia for more than 7 days are required by law to register their place of residence with the local migration office. The landlord typically assists with this process by providing a registration form once the rental agreement is signed.
• Rental Agreements: Rental agreements should be signed in Russian to ensure they are legally binding. If necessary, you can ask for a translation or have a bilingual contract drawn up.
• Security Deposits: Security deposits are commonly required by landlords in Russia and are usually one month’s rent. The deposit is refundable at the end of the lease, provided there are no damages to the property.
• Tenant’s Rights: It’s important to understand your rights as a tenant. In case of disputes, you can seek legal assistance to resolve issues related to rent increases, eviction notices, or property damage claims.

6. Finding Rental Properties

• Online Platforms: There are several websites where you can find rental properties in Russia. Some popular websites include:
  • Avito.ru: One of the largest classifieds platforms in Russia where you can find rental listings.
  • Cian.ru: A popular real estate website with a range of rental properties across Russia.
  • Domofond.ru: Another platform offering listings for apartments for rent in different cities.
• Real Estate Agents: If you’re unfamiliar with Russian language or the market, hiring a local real estate agent can make the process smoother. Agents typically charge a commission, usually 50% of the first month’s rent, but they can help you find the best rental properties based on your budget and preferences.

Conclusion

The rental market for foreigners in Russia is generally accessible, with a variety of options available in major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg as well as more affordable options in smaller cities and rural areas. While the process of renting is fairly straightforward, foreigners should be aware of the legal requirements, such as residence registration, and ensure that they understand the terms of the lease agreement. By working with real estate agents or local lawyers, you can ensure a smooth rental process and enjoy a comfortable stay in Russia.