When you rent out an apartment, success comes down to setting the right price, taking clear photos, and signing a written lease. Landlords who publish detailed listings find tenants much faster. A well-organized process reduces late payments and property damage. This guide covers the practical steps to renting out your home safely.
The real estate market in cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, or Timișoara moves fast. Demand fluctuates with the seasons-students hunt for housing in August and September, while families prefer moving during the summer. If you want to rent out an apartment without the headache, prepare the space before taking any pictures. Deep cleaning and minor repairs make a huge difference. Tenants notice the details landlords often overlook. Publishing your ad on a moderated platform attracts serious applicants. We verify every listing published on EX & GO to eliminate fake or incomplete offers. The platform allows private owners and agencies to publish listings with photos, prices, and city details, while buyers filter by neighborhood and radius. The final transaction is agreed upon directly between the parties. You can review our publishing rules anytime at exgo.io/ro/rules.
- Set the rent by comparing similar listings in the same neighborhood.
- Use natural light for photos and describe the amenities accurately.
- Sign a lease agreement and register it with ANAF.
- Draft a handover protocol when signing the paperwork.
How do you set the price when renting out an apartment?
The right price reflects the current market in your neighborhood. Don't rely on memory or what your neighbors asked two years ago. Check active listings for apartments for rent in your area and calculate a realistic average.
A two-bedroom apartment in Floreasca will command a different rent than a similar one in Berceni. Usable square footage, floor level, construction year, and distance to the subway all affect the final number. Ground-floor units or top-floor apartments without proper insulation are harder to rent out.
Factors that influence the monthly rent
If the building recently underwent thermal rehabilitation, you can ask for slightly more. New furniture and energy-efficient appliances justify charging a few dozen euros extra. Tenants also prefer apartments with their own boiler over shared central heating.
Don't overprice your property. An inflated price keeps your listing active for weeks, costing you money in lost rent. Adjust the asking price if you haven't received any viewing requests within the first ten days of publishing.
Where to compare similar listings
Use search filters to see what other landlords in your district are asking. Compare which amenities are included in the rent. Some listings cover maintenance fees, while others leave them to the tenant. This distinction changes how people perceive the value you're offering.
publish a listing helps you see how competing ads are structured. Analyze three or four offers identical in size and comfort level. Their average indicates the threshold the market accepts this month.
What steps should you follow to rent out an apartment quickly?
Rental speed depends on the quality of your ad. Photos taken during the day with the windows open grab attention. Your description should answer a tenant's practical questions, avoiding generic filler about "quiet neighborhoods."
Photograph each room from the corner opposite the door to capture the widest possible angle. Remove personal items left in plain sight. An empty kitchen counter looks far better than one cluttered with bottles and towels.
Rules for an effective listing
Mention the usable area in square meters, the number of rooms, the floor, and the heating type. Specify whether you accept pets or children. Hiding these details leads to pointless viewings and wasted time for everyone involved.
State clearly what the monthly rent includes. If parking is limited in the area, mention whether you provide a spot. Proximity to public transit stations or schools matters to families. Be precise about the date the apartment becomes available.
Always check the tenant's ID card before signing the lease. Ask for an active phone number and call it to confirm the person on the documents is the one you're speaking with. A refusal to provide this information is reason enough to walk away from negotiations.
Selecting the right tenant
Ask where they work and how long they've lived in the city. Stable employment reduces the risk of missed payments. While you shouldn't discriminate, you have the right to request proof of income. A three-to-one income-to-rent ratio provides a safe margin.
Avoid applicants who pressure you for an immediate move-in without a viewing. Conversations held through the platform's internal messaging system keep a record of your communication. apartments for rent gives you access to reviews left by other users. A visible history helps you make an informed decision.
How do you rent out an apartment legally in Romania?
A written lease agreement is mandatory. Verbal agreements won't protect you in court if you face unpaid rent or property damage. The written document establishes the rights and obligations of both parties under the Civil Code.
You must include the full details of both the landlord and the tenant. Specify the exact address of the property, its surface area, and the cadastral number. Mention the lease duration, the start date, and the conditions for renewal or termination.
Tax obligations for individual landlords
Individual landlords owe tax on their rental income. The single tax declaration must be submitted to the National Agency for Fiscal Administration (ANAF). Deadlines and tax rates can change, so always check the current legislation before filing.
Information regarding consumer protection in commercial relationships can be found on official state institution websites, such as anpc.ro. Complying with tax regulations prevents fines and frozen bank accounts. Keep copies of signed contracts for at least five years.
Essential clauses in the lease agreement
Define who pays for routine maintenance and who covers capital repairs. Typically, the tenant replaces lightbulbs and fixes leaky faucets, while the landlord replaces a broken boiler. Write these boundaries clearly in the document.
Include a clause regarding periodic inspections. You have the right to check the property's condition, but you must notify the tenant at least 24 hours in advance. Entering the rented space without permission constitutes trespassing.
What fees and deposits are involved in renting out an apartment?
The standard security deposit equals one or two months' rent. This sum covers potential damages or unpaid utility bills when the tenant moves out. Do not confuse the deposit with the first month's rent.
The deposit money stays with the landlord for the entire duration of the lease. At the end, you calculate any outstanding debts. If everything is in order, return the full amount. If there is damage, deduct the cost with written consent or based on receipts.
The handover protocol
This document accompanies the lease. You inventory every piece of furniture, appliance, and the condition of the walls. You also record the water, gas, and electricity meter readings on the day you hand over the keys.
Photograph existing flaws: scratches on the hardwood, stains on the sofa, cracks in the tiles. Both parties sign the document. This prevents disputes upon move-out, when a tenant might claim the defects were already there.
| Rental method | Costs for the landlord | Required involvement | Legal risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct listing on free platforms | Zero commission | High: you take photos, screen tenants, and draft the lease | Moderate if you skip document verification |
| Brokerage via a real estate agency | 50% of the first month's rent or a full month | Medium: the agent brings clients, you sign the papers | Low if the agency verifies the files |
| Full management (property management) | 10-15% of the collected monthly rent | Minimal: the company handles everything | Low, but you depend on the company's reliability |
What common mistakes happen when renting out an apartment?
Rushed landlords skip identity checks. They accept tenants who refuse to show a valid ID or an employment contract. This negligence frequently leads to difficult evictions and lengthy lawsuits.
Another mistake is skipping the detailed inventory. Without a signed handover protocol, you can't prove the TV is missing or that the washing machine was working. Courts require written evidence, not verbal claims.
The traps of vague listings
If you only write "renting out a studio," you'll get dozens of irrelevant calls. People want to know if pets are allowed, if internet is installed, and how much winter maintenance costs. Answer these questions directly in the text.
Avoid taking photos at night or with a smudged phone lens. Dark spaces suggest mold or messiness. Natural light highlights cleanliness and shows the true size of the rooms.
Ignoring tax obligations
Some landlords believe small amounts don't need to be declared. Romanian tax law makes no exceptions based on the amount when it comes to rental income. Failing to declare it attracts interest and penalties calculated by the tax authority.
Consult an accountant if you own multiple properties. The threshold for paying health contributions is calculated annually. Proper planning saves you from unpleasant surprises during tax reconciliation.
Frequently asked questions about renting out an apartment
How long does it take to find a tenant?
The timeline depends on the price, location, and season. In major cities like Bucharest or Cluj-Napoca, a fairly priced apartment usually rents within three to ten days. If you ask above the market average, it could sit vacant for weeks. Listing on high-traffic platforms significantly shortens the waiting period.
Is it mandatory to register the lease agreement with ANAF?
Yes, individual landlords must declare rental income by submitting the single tax declaration. The filing deadline and tax rates are set by the Fiscal Code. Failing to register the lease and declare your income results in fines and retroactive tax calculations by the state.
What should I do if the tenant stops paying rent?
Send a written notice granting a grace period. If they still don't pay, issue a formal notice of lease termination. Never change the locks or cut off utilities, as these actions are illegal. To recover owed amounts, contact a bailiff or file a claim with the competent civil court.
Can I ban pets in the lease agreement?
Yes, you can include a clause that prohibits keeping pets. If the tenant violates this rule, you have the right to request lease termination. It is highly recommended to discuss this policy during the viewing to prevent future conflicts and potential damage to the furniture.
Who pays for repairs during the tenancy?
Routine maintenance resulting from normal wear and tear is the tenant's responsibility. Major repairs, such as replacing old plumbing or fixing the roof, fall on the landlord. The lease agreement must clearly define the boundary between these two categories to prevent financial disputes.
How do I use the security deposit if there is damage?
When the tenant moves out, compare the apartment's condition against the original handover protocol. Calculate repair costs using invoices from contractors or stores. Deduct the necessary amount from the deposit and return the balance. Always provide the tenant with a written breakdown of any withheld funds for full transparency.
Thorough preparation makes all the difference when you rent out an apartment. An informed landlord avoids financial losses and legal disputes. Set a price anchored in your neighborhood's reality, whether the property is in downtown Timișoara or a new residential complex in Voluntari. Clear photos and an honest description attract responsible tenants. Don't treat the lease as a mere formality-it is your primary tool for protection. Verify applicants' identities and keep communication in writing. The process of renting out an apartment becomes simple when you follow these steps. Use platforms that verify users and offer transparency. Periodically review market conditions to keep your offer competitive. Apply the checklist above before publishing your next real estate listing.