Finding an Apartment in Moscow

To rent apartment in Moscow, most foreigners use the services of a Real Estate agency. Real estate agencies will not only help you to find and rent apartment in Moscow that you like, but will also assist in negotiating with the landlord, and provide a standard landlord-tenant contract, as well as other valuable advice.

In looking for an apartment in Moscow, a major consideration is the floor the apartment is on and the type of building. For security and privacy reasons, do not rent an apartment in Moscow on the first floor. Not only are you exposing yourself to the possibility of being burgled - even if there is a security grating - but you are also closer to the noise from your dvor (yard). As a rule, the fourth floor or higher is preferred so as to get up above the noise, but not so high that you can't climb the stairs should the lift fail - which it most assuredly will at some point in time.

When renting an apartment in Moscow, the owner should provide you with a contract. This is important as it proves that you have the right to legally live in the apartment if the militsia calls.

The owner of the apartment should also register you in the apartment.

In many cases, landlords don't want to reveal how much they're being paid to rent apartment in Moscow in order to avoid taxes and shakedowns by the authorities. In these cases landlords may provide you with two contracts; a "real" contract between you and the landlord that details how much you're actually paying, and an "official" contract to be registered with the authorities. This is not advisable as you are exposed should difficulties arise.