- When evaluating potential apartments to rent, consider location, size and layout, furnishing, parking, price, and commission.
- Understanding the legal aspects of renting in Slovakia is crucial.
- After the property handover, always check the state of the whole property and note the damages/imperfections to avoid complications.
Moving into the new country can be overwhelming and associated with uncertainty. We, at ProRelo, are here for you to relieve the challenges within this process with our relocation consultants. For those navigating this journey on their own, here are some rental tips to consider when moving to Slovakia.
1. Understanding the Rental Market in Slovakia
Finding an apartment in Slovakia depends on the city you choose to live in. Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia, offers a wide range of housing options. Looking for best neighborhoods to live in depends on your destination (see our blogs about expat favorites neighborhoods in Bratislava). In recent years many new development projects have emerged, offering modern living directly in the city center as well as in the wider city center. The apartments for rent in these buildings are higher, and also the amount for utilities might be sometimes higher. Older buildings offer more affordable living; however, some of them are being renovated, and the apartments might often be indistinguishable from those in new buildings. Other cities like Košice, Žilina, Nitra and Trnava also have growing expat housing but generally there is a significantly smaller number of options.
2. Where to Start Your Search
When beginning your apartment search, online platforms are your best bet. Websites like Nehnuteľnosti.sk, Reality.sk, and Byty.sk are popular choices among both locals and expatriates. In these platforms you can explore and compare various accommodations for rent by location, price, size and other more specific needs (e.g. pet friendly apartments). Alternatively, if you are coming to Slovakia and looking for apartment/room, on Facebook or Telegram there are plenty of groups to search from. However, be aware that some of the offers may be scam.
Do not pay the deposit before a viewing, especially if the offer comes directly from a landlord and not from a trusted real estate agency!
3. What to Look For When Renting an Apartment in Slovakia
When evaluating potential apartments, consider the following:
- Location: Distance to your work or school, public transportation, grocery stores or parks. Generally, Bratislava is considered safe and there are not any dangerous areas.
- Size and Layout: Slovak apartments range from cozy studios to spacious multi-bedroom units. Decide what suits your lifestyle and budget. Be aware that it is customary to count rooms, not just bedrooms! If you see a 2-room apartment in an ad, it means it has one bedroom and a living room connected to the kitchen (in most cases).
- Furnishing: Smaller properties are mostly rented furnished, while larger properties unfurnished. Unfurnished in Slovakia means that the apartment has basic kitchen equipment and appliances, there are all lights, sometimes also built-in wardrobes and washing machine.
- Parking: Many cities including Bratislava or Trnava are implementing a residential parking policy. This means that only people with a registered permanent address in the area can park freely on the street. Foreigners cannot hold permanent residence addresses; therefore, this is not eligible for you. Check, if there are reserved parking spaces by the landlord or only parking spaces are available.
- Price: The price you see in ads at first sight usually excludes utilities. The full price can be found in the description part of the ad. Ensure you understand what utilities are included in the rent. In most cases, it includes water, electricity, gas, heating, waste removal and management fees, sometimes also internet, gardener and pool service while others may require you to set up some of these and pay separately. Prior to moving in you’ll be also asked to pay a security deposit – usually in the amount of 1 or 2 rents including utilities.
- Commission: The majority of options are rented through real estate agencies, and they typically charge a commission equal to one month’s rent (sometimes including utilities, usually for cheaper properties) plus 20% VAT.
4. Legal Considerations When Renting an Apartment in Slovakia
Understanding the legal aspects of renting in Slovakia is crucial. Ensure you sign a rental contract, which should clearly state the rent amount, utilities amount, deposit, length of lease. All terms should be clear and possible to evaluate, try to avoid vague conditions. Most leases are for one or two years, with an option to renew. As a foreigner, you also have obligations with the Foreign Police—you might need to prove that you have a place to stay. The Foreign Police often do not accept flats that are registered as non-residential spaces or as “apartmán.” You might be not able to register your temporary housing in these!
5. Moving In
Once finding the ideal apartment matching your needs, signing the lease, it is officially time to move in! After accommodation handover, always check the state of the whole property and note the damages/imperfections to avoid complications and unexpected consequences when moving out at the end of the agreement.
How can we help you?
If you are looking to rent in Bratislava, we are here to guide you through the process and help you find the best option that suits your needs and financial situation. Contact us to find out how our relocation consultants can serve you.
