Apartments for rent: rent directly with no middlemen

A price well below market, an 'owner abroad' and a viewing prepayment request — the classic combo. Never send money before seeing the apartment in person and checking the owner's documents.

Term, rent and how it can change, who pays utilities, deposit size and return conditions, an inventory with photos. Agreements under 3 years don't need a notary — signatures are enough.

The standard is first month plus a deposit equal to one month. 'First and last plus commission' demanded by the owner themselves is a reason to negotiate or keep looking.

A written agreement is your protection: absent violations on your side, the owner must honor the notice terms in the contract. Verbal arrangements are worth almost nothing legally. Pay by transfer with a payment note — it's your proof of good faith.

Only if the contract explicitly allows it (indexation procedure and limits). Without such a clause the price is fixed for the term. 'New price or move out' with no contractual basis is an opening for negotiation, not an obligation.

Offer a larger deposit — it addresses the owner's main fear about furniture and repairs. A photo of the pet and an honest account of its habits beat concealment: an animal discovered against the contract is legal grounds for eviction.