To rent out your apartment, you need to determine the market price, prepare the space, draft a lease agreement, and verify the tenant's documents. This process takes anywhere from a few days to a month, depending on the neighborhood and the condition of the renovation. Below, we break down each step for private landlords.
Renting remains the primary way many people solve their housing needs. Property owners in major cities look for reliable residents, while tenants compare offers based on location and budget. Renting out a place privately saves money on agency commissions, but it demands attention to detail-from the photos you take to the wording of your lease. A mistake during tenant screening or a vague move-in inspection report can cause headaches for months. This guide gathers practical rules for anyone who wants to independently find a solvent tenant. We’ve noticed that listings with five high-quality photos and a clearly stated price get their first inquiries within 24 hours of publication.
- Set your price by comparing similar listings in your area.
- Take bright photos during the day and describe the actual condition of the furniture.
- Sign a written lease with a detailed move-in inspection report.
- Check the tenant’s ID before handing over the keys.
How to set the right price to rent out your apartment without downtime
The market rental rate depends on three factors: location, renovation quality, and available appliances. Overpricing leads to weeks of vacancy, while underpricing attracts tenants who might struggle to pay.
Start by analyzing current offers. Open the real estate catalog on EX & GO, select your city, and filter by district. Compare five to seven options with a similar layout. Aim for the average price rather than matching the most expensive listings.
The building's condition affects the value. A freshly renovated apartment near a central metro station will cost more than a similar-sized unit in an older suburb with outdated windows. Having a water heater, washing machine, and refrigerator justifies a higher rate.
If you need the money urgently, set your price five to ten percent below the neighborhood average. This will shorten your search time. If you aren't in a rush, stick to the market rate and wait for the right tenant.
Discuss utility bills upfront. Usually, the tenant pays for metered usage, while the owner covers building maintenance fees. State this clearly in your listing text to avoid arguments during viewings.
Preparing the space and the listing: how to rent out your apartment properly
A high-quality listing consists of an honest description, bright photos, and an exact address. The text must match what the person sees during the viewing.
Photos and description
Shoot the rooms during the day using natural light. Remove personal items from the frame. Show every room, the kitchen, the bathroom, and the view from the window. Five to seven shots give a complete picture of the space.
In the text, mention the floor, total square footage, heating type, and internet availability. State whether pets are allowed. Being honest about flaws-like old linoleum-saves time for both you and the potential tenant.
Where to publish
Choose platforms that verify user contacts. Unmoderated classified boards are often full of scammers. Before publishing, review the posting rules so your listing passes moderation without delays.
We verify sellers' phone numbers so buyers can reach a real person instead of a bot. This reduces the number of fake offers in the real estate category.
Update your text once a week if you aren't getting responses. Sometimes, simply changing the main photo or slightly lowering the price is enough to attract new users.
DIY renting, agency, or property management?
Your choice depends on your free time and willingness to interact with people. Each option comes with its own costs and level of control.
Doing it yourself requires your physical presence at viewings, but you keep the entire amount. An agency charges a commission-usually half or a full month's rent-but filters the calls for you. Property management suits those living in another city or country, but it is the most expensive route.
| Criteria | DIY | Via Agency | Property Management |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commission | None | 50-100% of monthly rent | 10-15% monthly |
| Finding a tenant | You conduct viewings | Agent shows the property | Company handles everything |
| Drafting the lease | Your responsibility | Provides a standard template | Company lawyers |
| Condition monitoring | Personal visits | By agreement | Regular reports |
For a one-time rental, it’s more profitable to find a tenant yourself through specialized platforms. If you own multiple properties or have relocated abroad, delegating becomes a necessity. post a listing to help compare the terms of different ways to manage your real estate.
How to screen tenants and avoid scammers?
A reliable tenant confirms their identity with an ID and calmly answers questions about their workplace. Scammers avoid meetings, ask you to transfer a deposit in advance, or pressure you with false urgency.
During your first contact, pay attention to their communication style. A reasonable person will ask about utility bills, neighbors, and lease termination terms. A suspicious caller will immediately ask you to send the keys via courier.
Never hand over the keys before signing the move-in inspection report. Record the water, gas, and electricity meter readings on move-in day to avoid disputes over debts from previous periods.
Check their national ID card or residence permit for foreigners. Write down the document number. If someone refuses to show their ID, that’s a reason to deny them the rental.
Only accept a deposit after meeting in person and showing the apartment. Transferring money to a stranger's card without signed paperwork is risky. Use secure messaging channels within your chosen platform for negotiations. The apartments for rent section explains how to safely organize a meeting with a potential tenant.
Social media helps verify people. Look up the tenant's profile, check when it was created, and see if they have real friends. Empty pages should raise red flags.
The lease agreement and handing over the keys: what owners need to know
A written lease protects both parties from sudden evictions and unpaid rent. Verbal agreements hold no legal weight if a conflict ends up in court.
Mandatory clauses in the agreement
A residential lease must include the ID details of both parties, the exact property address, the term of the lease, and the monthly rent amount. Specify the payment date, for example, by the fifth of every month.
Outline the termination conditions. Typically, either party must give thirty days' notice. Include a clause about the security deposit: its amount, return conditions, and scenarios where it will be withheld to cover damages.
The move-in inspection report is an inseparable part of the lease. List all furniture and appliances along with their condition. Photograph scratches on the hardwood or stains on the sofa before the tenant moves in. This will protect your money when they move out.
Taxes and registration
Individuals earning income from renting out real estate are required to pay taxes. According to the Tax Code of Ukraine, the rate is 18% personal income tax plus a 1.5% military levy. Detailed information on the declaration process can be found on the State Tax Service website.
You only need to notarize the lease if its term exceeds three years. For short-term rentals, a simple written form with both parties' signatures is sufficient.
Frequently asked questions about renting out property
Do I need to register the tenant at my address?
As the owner, you are not required to officially register the tenant at your address. Residency registration and a lease agreement are two different legal concepts. A tenant can apply for temporary registration with your consent, but it doesn’t happen automatically after signing the contract. Most private landlords in Ukraine avoid registering third parties to prevent complications if eviction becomes necessary due to a dispute.
Who pays to fix a broken faucet or outlet?
Routine minor repairs usually fall on the tenant unless the lease states otherwise. Major repairs to engineering systems, such as replacing pipes or wiring, remain the landlord's responsibility. To avoid disputes, specify a maximum amount in the lease that the tenant can spend on minor fixes without needing your prior approval.
How do I handle the security deposit if the tenant damages the property?
The deposit is returned after both parties sign the move-out inspection report. If damage is found, the cost of repairs is deducted from the deposit. You will need proof: the initial move-in inspection report with photos and receipts for the repair work. If the damage exceeds the deposit amount, you have the right to sue for the difference.
Can I rent out an apartment that has a mortgage?
Renting out mortgaged property is generally allowed, but most loan agreements require written consent from the bank. Without this permission, the bank may consider it a breach of your loan terms. Check your mortgage contract before publishing a listing. Some financial institutions allow renting if the rental income goes directly toward paying off the principal.
What should I do if the tenant stops paying rent?
First, try to resolve the issue through negotiation. If the debt keeps growing, send a formal written warning about terminating the lease according to the conditions outlined in your agreement. Self-help eviction, changing the locks, or cutting off utilities is illegal. With a signed contract, you can take the matter to court to recover the debt and enforce an eviction.
Key takeaways for property owners
To rent out your apartment without unnecessary stress, follow a clear sequence. Set a fair price based on real listings in your area. Take high-quality photos and write an honest description detailing all the nuances of the space. Thoroughly check potential tenants' documents during an in-person meeting.
Never skip drafting a written lease and a detailed move-in inspection report. These documents protect your furniture, appliances, and walls from unrecoverable losses. Don't forget your tax obligations to the state to avoid fines down the road.
Renting out a property takes time for viewings and negotiations, but a professional approach from the start prevents problems for years to come. Use trusted platforms, follow safety rules, and put every agreement in writing. That way, your real estate will generate stable income without the risks.