Renting an Apartment in Georgia
A practical guide for anyone looking to rent long-term in Georgia. From scouting the neighbourhood to notarising the lease – step by step.
Recommendation for newcomers: Recommendation for newcomers: Book an Airbnb first. This lets you get to know the city without committing long-term right away. Only then start looking for a flat.
Get to know the area
Don't trust online descriptions. Book an Airbnb or hotel nearby first and check everything yourself.
- Is the neighbourhood safe and quiet?
- Are there supermarkets, pharmacies, public transport nearby?
- What is the infrastructure like during the day and at night?
- Only start looking for flats once you know the area.
Define your requirements clearly
Before you start searching: write a list. Don't waste time on flats that don't fit from the start.
- How many rooms do you need?
- Minimum size in square metres?
- Floor, lift, balcony?
- Maximum budget including utilities?
- Pets allowed?
Vet the landlord – filter out scammers
Before you even go to a viewing: call the landlord and ask one simple question.
- Ask: 'Are you willing to sign a notarised lease in both Georgian and English that clearly sets out my rights and obligations?'
- If the answer is no or evasive: walk away immediately.
- No excuse is good enough – no matter how plausible it sounds.
- Anyone who refuses an official contract has something to hide.
Inspect the flat yourself
If the landlord agrees: check everything on-site yourself. Don't take anyone's word for it.
- Is the water running? Is hot water available?
- Does the heating and air conditioning work?
- Check the condition of windows, doors and electrics.
- Take photos and videos of everything – before moving in.
- Request proof of ownership: the name on the documents must match the landlord in the government registry.
Negotiate
Everything must be agreed clearly and in writing – nothing left verbal.
- Monthly rent and currency (GEL or USD)?
- Who pays electricity, water, gas, internet?
- Lease length (standard: 1 year, rarely 6 months)?
- Pets allowed? Put it in writing.
- What happens if you leave early?
- Deposit: usually 2 months' rent (first + last month).
Draft the lease
The contract must be written in both Georgian and English. Do not use standard templates.
- Rent amount, lease length, payment terms.
- Who pays which utility costs?
- Rules on pets and subletting.
- Early termination clauses for both parties.
- Condition of the flat at move-in (appendix with photos).
- Written individually – no boilerplate template!
Notarial certification
Both parties sign the contract at the notary – in person, not by proxy.
- Make sure the notary is a genuine, registered notary.
- Both parties sign in front of the notary.
- The contract must contain all required signatures, seals and barcodes.
- The contract is entered into the state registry.
- Only then are you fully protected under the law.
Note
This is an intentionally simplified guide for getting started. The actual situation may vary depending on the landlord, location and individual circumstances. For important decisions, we recommend consulting a local lawyer or notary.
