Renting in Albania

How the market works

Most rental stock is individually owned rather than institutional. Listings circulate through agencies, Facebook groups and word of mouth. Furnished is the default for anything aimed at foreigners. Agency commission, where an agency is involved, is commonly one month's rent.

Contracts

Written contracts are not universal, and informal arrangements are common. Insist on a written contract anyway: you will need a registered lease for a residence application, and it is your only protection on deposit and notice.

Deposits are typically one month. Get the condition of the property recorded in writing before you move in.

Seasonality on the coast

In coastal towns the same apartment may be let by the week in August at several times its winter monthly rate. Long lets on the Riviera are often only available from October to May, with the owner reclaiming the property for the summer. Confirm the term explicitly.

Utilities

Electricity is usually billed to the account holder and metered; ask whether the account will be transferred to you or stay in the landlord's name. Water supply is intermittent in parts of the coast in summer. Ask about heating: many apartments rely on air conditioning units, which is expensive in a cold winter inland.