How to Rent an Apartment in Estonia

Summary

In this informative video, Olga outlines the comprehensive process of renting an apartment in Estonia, highlighting essential steps and tips. She discusses popular websites like kv.ee and cd24.ee for finding listings, the average rent prices, and additional costs like utilities and brokerage fees. Olga also covers the documentation required, the role of real estate agents, and the importance of registering with the population register. She advises viewers on negotiating with landlords, especially regarding pets, and emphasizes the need for a responsive landlord. The video concludes with a step-by-step guide, ensuring viewers are well-prepared for their apartment hunt in Estonia.

Takeaways

• 📝 Olga provides a comprehensive guide on renting an apartment in Estonia, covering websites, prices, utilities, documents, real estate agents, and a step-by-step process.
• 💻 The best websites to search for apartments in Estonia are kv.ee and cd24.ee, with other options like kinisvara24.ee and apartment.ee for specific areas.
• 📱 Facebook groups can be useful for renting directly from owners without real estate agents, potentially at lower prices.
• 💵 Olga prefers specialized websites due to their effective filters and search engines that help find the desired apartment quickly.
• 💲 Monthly rent prices on websites do not include utilities, and prices vary based on location, size, and condition of the apartment.
• 💵 A one-time deposit equal to one month's rent and a brokerage fee of the same amount are common if using a real estate agent.
• 💲 Utility prices in Estonia are high, with an average of 150 euros per month for a one or two-room apartment in winter.
• 💵 The utility bill in Estonia usually includes everything except internet and TV subscription, and is often handled by the landlord.
• 💲 Renting an apartment in Estonia requires minimal documents, typically just a national ID or passport, and contact information.
• 💵 Real estate agents in Estonia act as intermediaries and are paid a one-month rent commission, after which the tenant deals directly with the landlord for any issues.
• 💲 The video offers a detailed 10-step guide to renting an apartment in Estonia, from researching to signing the contract and setting up utilities.

Q & A

What are the recommended websites to search for an apartment in Estonia?

The recommended websites to search for an apartment in Estonia are kv.ee and cd24.ee. Other less known options include kinisvara24.ee and apartment.ee specifically for Tallinn.

Can you rent directly from the owner without using a real estate agent in Estonia?

Yes, you can rent directly from the owner without using a real estate agent, especially through Facebook groups which can offer lower prices.

What is special about the filters on kv.ee that the speaker likes?

The speaker likes the filters on kv.ee because they allow you to drastically narrow down the selection and find exactly what you're looking for. It also has an option to see advertisements from owners only, which means no brokerage fee.

In what languages are the advertisements on kv.ee and cd24.ee usually available?

The advertisements are usually in Estonian, but the principal information such as price, surface, building, and amenities is also available in English and Russian.

What is the average monthly rent for a studio apartment in Tallinn, according to the speaker?

The average monthly rent for a studio apartment in Tallinn is around 450 euros, but it can vary depending on the location, total area, and condition of the apartment.

What additional costs should be considered when renting an apartment in Estonia?

Additional costs include a one-time deposit equal to one month's rent, a brokerage fee if using a real estate agent, and utility bills which can be quite high in Estonia.

How are utility bills typically handled in Estonia?

In Estonia, the landlord usually receives the utility bills, compiles them, and sends the total amount to the tenant. The bills usually include everything except the internet and TV subscription.

What documents are typically required when renting an apartment in Estonia?

Typically, landlords ask for your national personal identification code (isikukood in Estonian) and an ID card. If you're new to Estonia, your passport is the only document required.

How do real estate agents operate in Estonia according to the script?

In Estonia, real estate agents act as intermediaries between the tenant and the landlord. They show you the apartment and prepare the lease agreement, then they usually disappear from the picture after the contract is signed.

What is the process of signing a lease agreement like in Estonia?

Before signing the lease agreement, you will be asked to pay the brokerage fee, the deposit, and the pro-rated rent for the rest of the month. After signing, you should register yourself in the population register.

What are some last tips the speaker provides for someone looking to rent an apartment in Estonia?

Some last tips include exploring websites and bookmarking apartments of interest, contacting agents or landlords, being registered in the population register, visiting multiple apartments before deciding, asking about what's included in the utility bill, arranging a meeting with the landlord if using an agent, and taking care of the internet connection after signing the contract.