08/08/2026
Read This Before Renting an Apartment in Bucharest
Here are a few practical things we recommend checking before committing to a rental:
1. Always have a video call or viewing first
If you are not yet in Bucharest, ask for a live video call from the apartment before making any payment.
Ideally, the person showing you the property should be able to walk you through the actual apartment, building entrance and common areas — not just send you previously recorded videos or photos.
2. Check who owns or legally represents the apartment
Before transferring a deposit, rent or reservation payment, ask for a document confirming the ownership of the property.
If you are dealing with an agency, property manager or another representative, they should also be able to explain and document their right to represent the owner and rent/manage the apartment.
3. Ask about the building, not only the apartment
Especially when renting in central Bucharest, the condition of the building itself is just as important as the interior of the apartment.
Ask about:
• the general condition of the building and common areas;
• the condition of the installations, elevator, roof, façade, etc., where relevant;
• the type of neighbours and general atmosphere in the building;
• whether there are mostly permanent residents, short-term rentals, offices or other student apartments;
• any known recurring problems in the building.
4. Ask specifically about seismic risk
Bucharest has many beautiful older buildings, particularly in the city centre.
Always ask for the **exact seismic risk information available for the building** you are considering. Don't rely only on statements such as “the building is solid”, “there have never been problems” or “it survived previous earthquakes”.
If the building has an official seismic risk classification, ask which category it belongs to.
5. Understand the real monthly cost
The advertised rent is not necessarily your total monthly cost.
Before signing, ask for a clear breakdown of:
• building/association costs;
• water and heating;
• electricity;
• gas;
• internet;
• any fixed monthly charges;
• any other administrative or service costs.
Also ask whether utility amounts are based on **actual consumption, estimates or fixed monthly charges**, and, if possible, request examples of previous bills.
6. Never rent only based on a payment and a verbal agreement
Even if everything seems straightforward, you should always have a **written rental agreement**.
Avoid situations where you are asked to transfer money simply to “secure the apartment”, based only on WhatsApp conversations or verbal promises, without having clear documentation regarding the property and the rental terms.
A proper rental agreement should clearly state at least:
• the identity and contact details of the parties;
• the exact apartment being rented;
• the rental period and exact start/end dates;
• the monthly rent;
• the security deposit;
• payment dates and payment method;
• utilities and other costs;
• responsibilities of the tenant and landlord;
• conditions for early termination;
• notice periods;
• conditions for returning the security deposit.
If something important was agreed during your conversations, make sure it is also reflected in the written contract.
7. Keep everything clear before the key handover
Before arriving, you should know exactly:
• how much you need to pay;
• what each payment represents;
• when you will receive the keys;
• what furniture/equipment is included;
• how utilities will be handled;
• who your contact person will be if something happens during your stay.
Taking a little extra time to check these points can prevent many misunderstandings later.
The purpose of this group is also to help international students and expats navigate their stay in Bucharest. If you're unsure about an area, a rental procedure, utilities, contracts or other practical aspects of living here, feel free to post your questions in the group.
You can also check currently available apartments here:
Moving to Bucharest for Erasmus? We help you find your place in the city. Catnip Rentals connects international students with verified apartments in the center of Bucharest — close to universities, public transport, cafés, and parks. Whether you're coming alone or with friends, we offer apartment...
