Step by Step Guide to Renting in Vilnius 

• Before deciding on a rental, be sure to learn more about the neighbourhood in question and transportation options. To find out more about your future living environment, go to https://kurgyvenu.lt 
• You can search for flats and homes online using the following platforms: Aruodas, Domoplius, Rebaltic.  
• If you’d prefer to share, there are a plenty of flat-sharing options in Vilnius. Flatshares are especially popular among young people in the city, and are a great way to meet new people and learn more about different cultures. 

Alternatively, you can also contact an agency (visit the Lithuanian Association of Real Estate Agencies website to find the contact info of all the main real estate agencies that, usually for a fee, will help you find you a place to rent). 

Before you sign any kind of lease or rental agreement , make sure you have clear information on any utilities or other associated costs you may need to pay. For a lot of buildings, you’ll find that you need to pay a monthly bill for the maintenance of shared spaces (stairwells, doorways, exteriors, etc.) It’s also a good idea to ask for the previous six months’ worth of gas/electricity bills to get a rough estimate of what utility costs you may need to pay for. 

It’s important to note that some landlords may not have working knowledge of English or Russian. If you are not able to communicate directly with your landlord, it is essential that you find a reliable intermediary.  

It is essential that you make a contract with the property owner or their legal representative, regardless of whether you are renting or buying. This is a fairly straightforward process, and in many cases you’ll find they already have a template contract ready. Your contract is your protection in case of any problems. 

You’ll need to keep a copy of the contract once it has been signed. Be sure to have a copy in English as well as Lithuanian.

You and your landlord will have to agree on the main terms: price, length of the rent period, amount of the deposit, payment type (transfer or cash), an inventory list or photos. 

Your landlord might also require a security deposit that will be calculated proportionally based on the property’s price and is usually equal to 1-3 months worth of rent. The deposit will be paid back to you when your contract comes to an end. Make sure to make your first payment after the contract is signed, not before. 

Never give any money to a landlord prior to signing a contract. If you pay before signing a contract, you will have very little security for your deposit. Always make sure you have the final, signed agreement before making any payments.  

Never be scared to ask questions or think a question is too obvious. The more questions you ask, the more transparent the agreement is going to be and the less likely you’ll encounter any issues later on.