Long-term rental housing in Montenegro. Frequently asked questions from our clients

In this article, we will introduce you to the nuances of searching for properties to rent, concluding a deal and how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud in the field of rental real estate in Montenegro, and answer the most popular questions from tenants:

• Why is it important to notarize a contract?
• How to find inexpensive housing in Montenegro
• Features of renting real estate in Montenegro
• Utility costs
• Rights and obligations of the landlord and tenants, rules of conduct and maintenance of housing
• What documents are required to conclude a transaction?

If you are looking for long-term rental housing in Montenegro from the owner without a commission or an apartment for a short period, look at our catalog of offers on the coast gomonte.me/search/rent.

 

1. How to rent property in Montenegro for a long term

1. Decide on an area

Each city has: an Old Town, a center, and new buildings outside the city. The infrastructure in these areas is almost the same, but the cost is different and depends on the proximity to the center or the embankment. The most expensive rentals are in the oldest city, but there are rarely options for long-term rentals, more often these are apartments for rent to tourists.

2. Take your time with your choice

Explore several options, compare prices, conditions and locations. Check the condition of the apartment: pay attention to repairs, furniture, plumbing. And also be sure to inspect for mold; in high humidity conditions this problem is common in homes here.

3. Draw up the agreement with a notary

It is advisable, but not necessary, if you do not plan to apply for a residence permit, you must draw up an agreement and notarize it. It is necessary to specify the conditions: rental period, price, rights and obligations of the parties, whether the price includes payment for utilities, Internet and the amount of the deposit. Ask for electricity and water bills, make sure they are paid and you do not have to pay any debts.

Also, certification from a notary will help you avoid the following troubles:

• Increased pay under threat of eviction
• Eviction from the apartment ahead of schedule
• Placement of third parties with you
• Non-return of your deposit
• Requesting payment in excess of the amount you agreed on

4. Make payment and deposit

In Montenegro, it is customary to conclude a contract for a year with the possibility of extension if both parties agree, and with the possibility of early termination with a refund of the deposit if you have given a month’s notice. This must be stipulated in writing, under what conditions and how the contract is terminated and the deposit is returned.

A deposit or pledge is a sum of money equal to the cost of one or two months.

5. Don't transfer money in advance

Never transfer funds in advance without an agreement and certification, and also do not transport things.

 

2. Cost of renting real estate in Montenegro

Rent prices in Budva per month:

• Studio: €300-€500
• 1-room apartment: €400-€700
• 2-room: €600-€1000
• 3-room: €800-€1500
• Houses: from €1200

Factors influencing cost:

• Seasonality. Prices are higher during peak season from July to August.
• Location. The city center is more expensive than the outskirts.
• Condition and equipment. New apartments with furniture and appliances are more expensive.

Rental prices in other cities on the coast may be lower or higher, depending on the infrastructure.

Inexpensive housing in Montenegro can be found where there are small settlements. Cons: There are almost no shops, restaurants or cafes that are open all year round, so you can find a lot of great deals there. When choosing such locations, it is advisable to have a car. You can rent a long-term car in Montenegro to be able to get to the infrastructure facilities that interest you. Pros: calm, secluded life away from tourists in the summer, beautiful scenery.

The cost of utilities in Montenegro for one person or a family of 3 people: €20-€50 / month, depending on the locality and the use of heating appliances or air conditioning.

 

3. Rights and obligations of the lessor

Rights and obligations of the lessor:

1. Providing housing in good condition: the landlord is obliged to provide housing in a clean and serviceable condition, provide it with equipment and furniture.
2. Compliance with the terms of the agreement: The landlord must strictly comply with all the terms of the lease agreement, including payment terms, amount of rent and other conditions.
3. Ensuring safety: The landlord must ensure the safety of the property and its occupants by providing the necessary protective equipment.

 

4. Rights and obligations of the tenant

1. Timely payment of rent: The tenant is obliged to pay the rent on time in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
2. Careful attitude towards housing: the tenant must treat housing with care, not damage property and not disturb public order.
3. Compliance with the rules of residence: the tenant is obliged to comply with the rules of residence established by the landlord.

These rules include:

• Report problems in a timely manner
• Pay utilities
• Monitor ventilation to prevent mold from appearing in the house
• Handle household appliances, appliances, and furniture carefully
• Use conscientious cleaning services
• Throw away garbage in strictly designated areas
• You can’t make noise from 10 pm to 7 am
• If you have an animal, walking near houses is prohibited, as is leaving the animal alone for a long time.
• Park your car or rent a garage space, and do not block the approaches to the entrance or other cars.

In case of disputes between the landlord and the tenant, it is recommended to seek advice from a lawyer or real estate specialist. Remember that compliance with the agreement of each party will help avoid conflicts and create comfortable living conditions.

 

5. Why renting through an agency is a reliable choice

1. Saving time and effort

Our agents will select for you options that meet your needs: budget, area, number of rooms, parking availability. They will relieve you of the need to independently search for advertisements, arrange meetings and viewings.

2. Legal security

Experienced lawyers will help you draw up an agreement, check ownership, passports, and ensure the legal purity of the transaction. The risk of facing deception is also eliminated, because we work with proven properties and many tenants have been working with us for years, owning real estate throughout the country.

3. Support at all stages

We can also help, if necessary, obtain a temporary residence permit in Montenegro, recommend cleaning, repair service for household appliances, carriers of furniture and belongings.

 

6. What documents are required to conclude a rental agreement for a residential property?

From the tenant's side:

• International passport: Original and copy.
• Residence permit (if required): Original and copy.

From the lessor's side:

• Document confirming the ownership of housing: Certificate of ownership, purchase and sale agreement, inheritance act, etc.
• Cadastral number of the property: Indicated in the certificate of ownership.
• Personal passport: Original and copy.
• Tax number (TIN): If the lessor is an individual.
• Certificate of absence of encumbrances on real estate: Can be obtained from the cadastral authority.

 

7. How to draw up a rental agreement in Montenegro

The lease agreement must be concluded in writing and contain:

• Information about the parties (full name, address, passport details).
• Description of the property (address, area, number of rooms).
• Contract time.
• Rental cost and payment procedure.
• Conditions of use of housing.
• Rights and obligations of the parties.
• Signatures of the parties.

 

8. Rental fraud - how to avoid becoming a victim

Here are some common schemes:

• Fake ads. Attractive prices that do not correspond to market prices, inability to contact the landlord.
• Advance payments. Often requiring prepayment for “reservation” or “first month”, unwillingness to enter into an agreement and have it certified by a notary, forged documents, concluding a fictitious transaction.

To protect yourself, contact trusted agencies with a good reputation, read reviews on Google. By trusting professionals, you can:

• Save time and effort.
• Protect yourself from scammers.
• Find comfortable accommodation that meets your needs.

Make the right choice - contact the GoMonte real estate agency, which has been operating on the market for more than 10 years and has good reviews, a large catalog of properties, and a convenient search service based on various criteria on the website: gomonte.me.

Still have questions? Ask our specialists: +382 69 777 680 Viber/WatsAap/Telegram.

Read also our other articles on the topic of moving to Montenegro:

Residence permit of Montenegro: how and on what grounds to obtain a residence permit in 2024: gomonte.me/blog/post/45

How to transport a pet to the country: gomonte.me/blog/post/27