Home-finding Guideline for Newcomers
The following blog story is an extract of an article originally published on the Work in Estonia website that gives an overview and some helpful tips on how to get started with home renting in Estonia. Hopefully, it's also a useful read for the landlords, too.
How Rendin works for the tenant
The first step is to create a tenant profile and provide some general info about yourself. Afterwards, you pass through a background check that gives a potential landlord knowledge: you're a trustworthy candidate.
As a next step, you're ready to start applying for deposit-free rental homes. Useful sources are our Facebook group and real estate portal kinnisvara24.ee (in a detailed search choose "without deposit").
Please note: you as a tenant must have an Estonian ID number so Rendin can check the previous payment behaviour. If the ID code has been issued recently, it is not possible to perform a background check as there is no previous history. In such a case we ask the person for additional information (for example, an employment contract). Rendin's goal is to make sure that the tenant's income and the amount of the monthly rental are in balance.
What to keep in mind when renting a home
Always read through the rental agreement and acknowledge the terms, rights and obligations for you and the landlord. If you have questions or something needs to be clarified, don't hesitate to ask.
Make sure that rental-related activities are documented. It includes the rental agreement, the handover act and the payment details.
The handover act must be drawn up accurately, including the list of important items on the property and photos that describe the current state of the place.
Ask about utility costs during the winter and summer periods, so you can prevent unpleasant surprises on what you're used to.
Read more from the overview of what tenants want to know before the tenancy period.
Common questions from newcomers
Do I have a right to register the rental home as an official residence? Yes, this is every tenant's right. You can submit your notice via the official State Portal, where everything you need to know is described and instructed.
How the rental payments are made? Usually, the rent is paid monthly, but the exact payment date is agreed upon in the rental agreement. The majority of landlords ask for the payments via bank transfer. If they want to settle in cash, it's acceptable as well. Although, the tenant has to get a confirmation in writing every time the payment has been made.
In what language is the rental agreement signed? On Rendin, there are three languages available, Estonian, English and Russian. The rental agreement has to be understood by both, the tenant and landlord.
*IHE provides a wide range of essential information, consultations and state services for international newcomers and local employers. They are part of Work in Estonia and Enterprise Estonia.