Tips on how to properly rent and rent out an apartment for a long time

Where to live if you don’t have your own apartment yet? Almost everyone is familiar with this problem. It’s good if the grandfather left a two-room apartment in the city in his will, or if the parents made sure that their child would get back on his feet as soon as possible and bought some kind of housing. What should those who need separate housing do, but don’t have the money to purchase it? The answer is obvious: rent, and it’s time to find out how to rent an apartment correctly.

At first glance, the problem is far-fetched: all the pillars, the Internet, and newspapers are full of advertisements for housing for rent - just take your pick. And then suddenly it turns out that one apartment is impossible to live in due to redevelopment, another is full of illegal immigrants, the third is outside the city limits, the fourth is too expensive, and the fifth is offered by some strange people who bear little resemblance to its owners.

What is long-term housing rental and when should you resort to it?

Long-term rental of apartments is the transfer of housing for temporary use or ownership for a period of one to five years.

This option is suitable for those who have firmly decided on their intentions and plan to rent out the property for more than a year. Its main advantage is that there is no need to constantly work on the apartment or look for new tenants. The agreement is concluded once, and after that the lessor simply receives regular payments for several years.

It is convenient to resort to long-term rent even when the owner is completely satisfied with the tenants. For example, if people have lived for some time and have not violated the rules of renting:

• made payments on time;
• treated property with care;
• did not disturb neighbors, etc.

In this case, there will be no need to sign a new agreement every year.

When deciding to rent out real estate for a long time, you need to take into account the specifics of the transaction, namely:

1. The tenant acquires the pre-emptive right to conclude a new contract (Article 684 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation).
2. Changing tenants to others will not be easy. Refusal to renew the agreement is possible only if the owner does not plan to rent out the apartment within a year (in accordance with Article 684 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation). Otherwise, former tenants have the right to file a lawsuit.
3. If the owner wants to terminate the transaction or change its terms, then three months before the end of the contract he must notify the tenants of his intentions. Otherwise, the agreement is extended under the same conditions (according to Article 684 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation).
4. The employer has the right to terminate the contract without giving reasons (Clause 1, Article 687 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation). The lessor does not have this right. For him, termination of the transaction is possible only in court if there are violations (unless otherwise provided by the terms of the agreement).
5. Even if there are complaints about the use of housing, the tenant can ask the court for time to eliminate them (according to paragraph 4 of Article 687 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation).

In connection with the above, most often leases are issued for a period of up to one year. After all, renewing a short-term document is easier than terminating a long-term one.

For how long is the contract concluded?

In accordance with clause 1 of Article 683 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation, the validity of a rental agreement cannot exceed five years. Moreover, if the document does not indicate the period of its validity, it is considered concluded for a period of 5 years.

The minimum duration of a long-term real estate lease agreement is one year. If a transaction is concluded for a period of less than twelve months, it is considered short-term (in accordance with paragraph 2 of Article 683 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation).

Pitfalls of daily apartment rentals

Many people, when going on a trip or business trip or planning a romantic date, prefer to rent an apartment rather than a hotel room. However, in addition to the obvious advantages, this type of temporary housing also has disadvantages, which are still often encountered by those who want to live in a home environment.

Doesn't work - pay

It happens that the landlord, upon accepting the apartment and checking it after your stay, suddenly discovers that some piece of household equipment is broken. Of course, you will be immediately presented with claims and, most likely, a requirement to pay for the broken item.

It's one thing when you are really to blame for the breakdown. In this case, it is better to admit guilt and compensate for the damage. But there are also unscrupulous owners who try to fix something that has been broken for a long time at your expense. It will be difficult to prove your innocence if you did not initially check the apartment and did not indicate the defect in the lease agreement.

Need to book in advance

If you want to rent an apartment for a day, remember that the apartment must be booked in advance. No one guarantees that the option you like will be available on the dates you need if you start looking too late.

It is also important to take into account that during the “season” (summer-autumn and holidays) the demand for daily rental housing is increased, and it is more difficult to rent good apartments. At this time they are not idle, and many are booked a month in advance.

The more convenient the location of the apartment and the nicer it looks in the photographs, the higher the demand. Renting such apartments is also more difficult, which means you need to book as early as possible.

Grandmother's option instead of European-quality renovation

In photographs on the Internet, the apartment looks like candy and shines with fresh European-quality renovation, but in reality it is a mossy den, obviously inherited by someone from their grandmother?
Quite a few clients have found themselves in this situation and are easily fooled by photoshopped images on the Internet. To avoid becoming a victim of fate’s cruel joke in the “expectation/reality” style, look for options with real reviews. Those who are “lucky enough” to rent such an apartment most often are not lazy to express their opinion about its condition in a review.

There are times when the landlord informs you that the apartment you are interested in is already occupied, but you can rent another one that is no worse. Discard such offers immediately. More often than not, the alternative offered by the owner looks much sadder.

How to rent a house for a long time?

The most popular way to search for apartments is through online bulletin boards and specialized real estate portals. There are plenty of offers in this resource, but most of them (about 80%) are from intermediaries. This means that you will have to pay an additional amount for the services of realtors. Most often this is half the cost of a month's rent. But the security of a transaction through an intermediary increases.

If a person uses the services of a real estate agency, then the realtor is obliged, together with the owner, to show the apartment, answer questions of interest, and then help with the execution of the contract. In addition, the intermediary must check the documents confirming ownership.

To successfully rent an apartment for a long time, you should adhere to the following rules:

1. There is no need to pay a realtor or make a down payment to the owner before signing the agreement. If you are asked to pay earlier, this should alert you: the intermediary can only provide information services and not enter into contracts. In addition, there is a risk of falling for scammers.
2. It is important to check the ownership documents and the owner’s passport. It also wouldn’t hurt to find out if there are other owners.
3. It is mandatory to conclude a lease agreement indicating the landlord's passport details, property address and information about the tenant.
4. When contacting a real estate agency, you need to pay attention to its reputation. Reliable intermediaries usually have a proven client base.
5. If a person is looking for housing on his own, a very low price should alert him: he should probably expect unpleasant surprises. So, the apartment may be located in an old house, in a bad location, or require renovation. Sometimes household appliances or furniture are missing.
6. Before looking at the proposed option, it is better to ask in detail about the living conditions and location.
7. When viewing, it is recommended to pay special attention to the serviceability of household appliances, furniture and plumbing equipment. Also check the documents and carefully study the proposed contract.

Beware - scammers!

Those who have not encountered this problem cannot even imagine how many scammers pose as decent real estate agencies. There are not many scammers in this market, there are a lot of them! Here are just a few worked out schemes:

1. Information Services. The simplest type of fraud is money for typing letters. Come to a “decent” real estate company, where they will give you tea, tell you a joke, and sympathize, assuring you that with their database you can easily find the necessary housing, you just need to sign an agreement for several thousand rubles for the provision of information services. According to the agreement, a list of addresses and telephone numbers is sent every week. Then it turns out that the phones are always silent, and the apartments do not exist at all.
2. Cheese from a mousetrap. Find a “very good offer” in the newspaper or on the Internet - both the price is reasonable and the area is convenient. The agency answers the call with assurances that such an apartment is indeed for rent, but before you see it, you need to enter into an agreement for “assistance in finding housing.” Leaving the agency with several thousand for the contract, when inspecting the apartment it is discovered that it is already occupied, and you are left with only apologies and assurances that the next option is even better. It is clear that all options will be similar.
3. Is it possible to rent a normal apartment the first time? Of course, you just need to be careful about “super advantageous offers” and companies that do not offer anything specific. And if they immediately offer to draw up a cooperation agreement, you must leave immediately, because honest real estate agencies receive their money only after the client moves into the apartment and concludes a rental agreement.

Looking for an apartment on your own or with the help of professionals - which is better? You can competently rent an apartment with the help of a real estate agency, or on your own. Contacting a real estate company (we are talking about an honest office) will save you from many problems: searching for options, checking documents for an apartment, drawing up contracts. Plus ─ saving time, minus ─ a decent amount of money, since the standard agent commission is equal to the cost of a month's rent in the proposed apartment. If money is currently more important than time and you have enough self-confidence, you can read further about how to rent an apartment without an agency.

How to rent out premises for a long period?

For an owner who has decided to rent out a home for a long time, it is important to find reliable and responsible tenants. Moreover, it will not be easy to terminate the contract in the future.

A possible option is to contact a real estate agency. Realtors will help you quickly find tenants and properly complete the deal. You can also independently place advertisements on specialized websites, boards, social networks, etc. Another way is to search through friends. It is convenient because it is immediately known who will be the tenant (who are the tenant and the landlord and what are their rights?).

The cost of rent can be easily determined by studying the average real estate prices in your city. It is also worth considering the condition of the home, the availability of repairs, furniture and household appliances, location and infrastructure. If an intermediary is involved, he will help you figure out the price.

You will also need to prepare the apartment itself:

1. Clear the space: get rid of everything unnecessary, remove personal belongings (or at least put them in a separate place - pantry, balcony).
2. Take care of the availability of repairs, which should correspond to the price category of the housing. Minimal cosmetic repairs should be carried out.
3. Pay attention to the serviceability of taps, water heaters, sockets, sewer drains, furniture, locks, etc.
4. Install furniture if there is none. If possible, replace old and unsuitable ones with modern ones. Unfurnished apartments are more difficult to rent out and their cost is lower.
5. Pay attention to the presence of household appliances. The minimum required is a refrigerator, a stove, a water heater (if there is no hot water), a washing machine and a TV.
6. To clean up. Clean windows, light fixtures and washed curtains will create a good impression on potential tenants. This is a great way to show respect for the tenant.
7. Get internet if you don't have it.

You need to discuss the terms of the transaction with the potential buyer and, if they agree, document it. It is important to approach the drafting of the contract correctly.

How to conclude an agreement?

A written agreement is required, even if the property is rented out to friends. Then it will be easier to resolve controversial issues if they arise.

A lease agreement is different from a rental agreement. In the first case, this is a transaction in which one or both participants are legal entities (Chapter 34 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation). The second option involves an agreement between individuals (Chapter 35 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation).

To correctly draw up an agreement, you can seek the help of a lawyer. Notarization of the document is not required, but is possible upon request. This does not affect the legal validity of the papers. A prerequisite for the validity of the agreement is its signing by both parties.

At the same time, an act of acceptance and transfer of housing must be drawn up . It indicates the technical condition of the premises: the presence or absence of repairs, plumbing, household appliances and furniture. The condition of each item, name, make and model, and estimated cost are also indicated.

The deed is signed by both parties, only after which the keys can be handed over to the tenant.

We do not recommend completing the documents yourself. Save time - contact our lawyers by phone:

8 (800) 302-76-94

Drawing up an agreement

The lease agreement must contain the following information:

1. date and place of compilation;
2. personal data of participants;
3. subject of the contract;
4. validity;
5. rights and obligations of the parties;
6. additional conditions;
7. termination procedure.

We do not recommend completing the documents yourself. Save time - contact our lawyers by phone:

8 (800) 302-76-94

How to rent an apartment through an agency

There are only a few real homeowners who advertise themselves on the Internet or in print media. 95% of such advertisements are placed by real estate agencies or private brokers (not excluding scammers).

Those who do not consider it necessary to save on paying for agency services and personal safety, dooming themselves to a tedious and lengthy search for dubious housing, use the services of numerous real estate firms. How to choose a professional and decent agent?

1. First, you need to find out how long the advertised real estate agency has been in existence. You can ask your friends, a reputable company on the Internet should have its own website. The longer the selected partner has worked in the real estate market, the greater his authority and the less risk.
2. Secondly, the office is the face of any company. If, instead of a solid office, you end up in a rented and hastily furnished room in a hotel with two employees, it’s better not to risk it.
3. Thirdly, permits for this type of service. A reputable company will always have them in sight; it is worth checking whether the agency has a legal department.
4. Trade unions. Membership in professional organizations is another guarantee of professionalism and authority. Fly-by-night companies that hit the jackpot in a few months and disappear without a trace do not get there.

How to rent an apartment through the chosen agency? First you need to decide where and what kind of apartment you need, how much rent you are willing to pay. The more complete the information about the search object, the faster acceptable options will appear. Large agencies have developed solid databases of real-life housing offered for rent. This resource is updated daily.

You can leave a request by phone or visit the agency in person to conclude an agreement. The obligations of the parties to the contract must be studied especially carefully. The responsibilities of realtors include finding suitable housing, checking the documents of the landlord and the apartment, and providing information about several apartment options. If the proposed list contains options that interest you, go for an inspection. If nothing catches your eye, the agent should look for other options.

Typically, a cooperation agreement is concluded for three months, but in fact, professionals work much faster. When the apartment has been decided upon, a lease agreement is drawn up, where all the nuances and responsibilities of the parties are spelled out in detail. Before signing the contract (and not before!) the services of the realtor are paid. Commissions to the real estate agency are paid once in the amount of 50% of the cost of monthly accommodation in the selected apartment.

How to avoid possible risks?

When renting out housing for a long period, the owner risks facing unfair treatment and damage to the property. There is a possibility of causing damage to third parties (for example, due to flooding of neighbors or fire). There are situations when tenants commit crimes: theft, deliberate arson, etc. But a long-term lease deal is difficult to terminate.

To protect himself, the landlord needs to draw up a competent contract, as well as a detailed act of transfer of property. The agreement must specify the degree of responsibility of the tenant for damage to property in the apartment or for causing damage to the property of third parties (neighbors).

Insurance will help reduce risks from unforeseen circumstances. In addition, it is recommended to outline the procedure for unilateral termination of the contract, as well as responsibility for late payment of rent.

We are looking for an apartment for a day on our own

Daily apartments are a common type of temporary housing. You can find accommodation for a day on your own – via the Internet. Use these online resources to quickly rent an apartment that meets your needs:

• Booking;
• websites where landlords offer to rent apartments (for example, Sutochno.Ru, Nochuem.Ru, Airbnb);
• ad sites (for example, Avito), communities in social networks. networks.

If you are looking for where to rent an apartment for a day for the first time, avoid little-known sites and private advertisements - there is a risk of encountering scammers or getting something that is far from what you expected.

Use well-known, popular and reliable resources. Such sites work with trusted landlords, assign them ratings, and publish reviews from real people.

There is also a convenient system for users - booking and payment through the website. All this significantly increases the chances of spending time in comfort.

We rent only with a rental agreement

To be guaranteed to rent a home without being scammed, enter into an agreement. Don’t think that if you’re renting for a day or just a few days, you don’t need it. A well-drafted agreement provides security from many problems for both the landlord and the tenant of the apartment. It must clearly state the following:

• details of documents confirming that the landlord actually owns this apartment;
• the amount of rent and deposit;
• responsibilities of the landlord and tenant;
• procedure for transfer and return of the apartment;
• liability of the parties and other conditions.

An offer to conclude an agreement shows the seriousness and reliability of the person who provides you with his property for use. By renting an apartment without concluding an agreement, at least in a simplified form, you risk being deceived and having problems. Don’t rush to rent an apartment without a contract, even if the option is very attractive.

What to check

When moving into an apartment, do not rush to quickly finish the formalities and say goodbye to the landlord. Don’t be afraid to ask questions that interest you and meticulously check some points - this will protect you from inconvenience and problems in the future. What is especially important to pay attention to?

1. Documentation. Do not hesitate to ask to see identification documents confirming that the apartment belongs to him. If this is an intermediary, then he must have a notarized power of attorney. Also read the contract thoroughly.
2. Condition of furniture and equipment. Personally and in the presence of the owner, check the serviceability of all equipment, inspect the furniture and plumbing. If something doesn’t work, is broken or damaged, feel free to point it out to the owner and write it down in the contract.
3. Facilities. Does the description indicate that the apartment has high-speed Internet, television with a couple of hundred channels, an iron, hair dryer, dishes and other household necessities? Check it out right away. Otherwise, you risk encountering inconvenience when it turns out that the Internet speed is not enough to download a movie in good quality, the TV shows with interference, and there was never any trace of an iron there.

If something doesn't live up to what the ad promises, or you're not happy with something, don't hesitate to speak up. You pay money for comfort, and the owner of the apartment is obliged to provide it.

Pros and cons of such a deal for the landlord

The following are the advantages of long-term rental:

1. Stable income.
2. Minimal investment of time and effort compared to daily rental of real estate: in the latter option, clients will have to be constantly looked for, and the housing regularly put in order.
3. Properties intended for long-term rental usually do not require as many repairs as in the case of short-term rentals. Short-term apartments usually cost more and the requirements for them are higher.
4. Easier to find tenants.
5. If the outcome is favorable, you will have to visit the tenants no more than once a month.

Disadvantages of long-term rent:

1. Difficulties in terminating a deal. Sometimes when tenants are evicted, the matter ends up in court.
2. The cost of renting housing for a long time is lower than for a short period.
3. The rent can only be increased with the consent of the tenants.
4. If early termination is necessary, the owner will have to pay compensation.
5. Signing a long-term agreement involves paying tax on the income received.

There are several types of apartment rentals and each of them needs to be properly formalized. On our website you can read about the features of free commercial rent, as well as the features of hiring office, specialized, mortgage housing and part of an apartment.

Long-term rental of apartments carries fewer property risks than short-term rental. It provides a stable income and requires less attention and time. At the same time, this type of lease also imposes great responsibility: the tenant acquires his rights under the contract, which cannot be violated.

How to rent an apartment in St. Petersburg

Renting apartments in St. Petersburg is a popular service in the real estate market, and this is relevant both for non-residents and permanent St. Petersburg residents. Residents of the Northern capital, as a rule, are looking for offers with long-term rentals, because the advertisement “I will rent a one- or two-room apartment for a family from three people" ─ a ticket for young families to an independent life. Long-term rental of apartments is also in high demand from many large companies that invite foreign specialists to work. Finally, the opportunity to rent housing in the city on the Neva is important for university students, because not everyone today can provide hostels for everyone who wants to receive an education within their walls.

How much does it cost to rent a home in St. Petersburg? The cost of apartments here is determined by many factors:

• quality of the house;
• apartment area and equipment level;
• what area is it located in?
• rental duration;
• and others (it is more profitable to rent for a year than to rent for a month, and rooms in new buildings are cheaper than in the historical center of the city).

In an effort to rent an affordable apartment in St. Petersburg, students use “shared” rentals—this form of rental is traditionally popular in the fall. For those who are interested in how to rent an elite apartment in St. Petersburg, important criteria will be the type of house, its status, the quality of the security system and parking, as well as the legal purity of the transactions. Prices in this segment range from 30,000 to 70,000 rubles. per month for rental periods of 1-3 years).