When you decide to rent out your apartment, you need to set a competitive market price, prepare a clear listing with high-quality photos, and thoroughly screen potential tenants. The process requires a written lease agreement, a handover protocol, and a security deposit. These steps protect your property-whether in Sofia, Plovdiv, or Varna-and minimize the risk of unpaid bills.
Landlords often underestimate the preparation needed before publishing a listing. A careless ad attracts unreliable candidates, while a precise description filters out unsuitable applicants before they even schedule a viewing. If you choose to rent out your apartment without an agent, you take full responsibility for background checks and paperwork.
Platforms like EX & GO enable direct communication between you and prospective tenants. You negotiate the terms, arrange viewings, and sign the contract yourself. The site does not process payments, but it provides an environment where user history is visible.
- Set the rent based on the neighborhood and the property's condition.
- Take photos in natural daylight and accurately describe electricity and heating costs.
- Sign a written lease, complete a handover protocol, and collect a security deposit.
- Check the tenant's ID and ask for a reference from their previous landlord.
How to set the price when renting out your apartment
The price depends on the neighborhood, square footage, floor level, and furnishings. A one-bedroom apartment in Mladost, Sofia, rents for a different amount than an identical property in Lyulin or Nadezhda. Proximity to a metro station or public transit stop increases the monthly rent.
Check active apartment rental listings in your specific area. Filter the results by neighborhood and compare the descriptions. Pay attention to whether the listed amount includes the building maintenance fee or if it is charged separately.
If the property has been recently renovated and features new appliances, you can ask for above-average rent for the building. Old furniture and the lack of a washing machine lower candidates' expectations. Flexibility during negotiations speeds up the deal.
Factors that affect the rent
Exposure impacts heating bills during the winter. South-facing apartments retain more heat and attract tenants willing to pay slightly more. North-facing units often stay vacant longer.
Having a parking space or garage is a major advantage in central Plovdiv or Varna. Parking demand is high there, and spaces are limited. Highlight this clearly in your listing text.
Preparing your listing to rent out your apartment fast
A good listing contains accurate data, clear photos, and realistic conditions. Candidates skip posts with blurry images or missing information about expenses. State the square footage, floor, heating type, and available appliances.
Photograph the rooms in natural daylight. Remove personal items from the frame. Show the bathroom, kitchen, and the view from the balcony. Three to five high-quality photos give a better impression than ten dark ones.
In the text, specify who pays for electricity, water, internet, and the building maintenance fee. If you require a security deposit, state the amount upfront. This avoids unnecessary conversations with people whose budget doesn't match your terms.
Before publishing, read the listing rules on EX & GO. Moderation monitors for duplicate content and inaccurate addresses, which protects everyone on the platform.
We review every new post for compliance with catalog requirements before it becomes visible to seekers. This reduces fake listings and saves landlords time.
Common mistakes in the description
Avoid exaggerations like "fully furnished" if the living room only has a sofa and a table. List the specific appliances: refrigerator, washing machine, water heater. Don't hide flaws like low water pressure or a noisy street.
If you're looking for a way to reach more candidates, use post a listing for extra visibility. Additional options help serious tenants find your property more easily.
How to screen a tenant before renting out your apartment
Screening starts over the phone. Ask why the candidate is moving, how many people will live in the apartment, and whether they have pets. Evasive answers are a red flag.
Request a copy of their ID when signing the lease. Verify the name and address. If the tenant refuses to show identification, end the negotiations. Anonymity offers no security for the landlord.
Ask for contact information for their previous landlord. A single phone call reveals whether the person paid on time and left any damage. A reliable candidate has no reason to refuse this step.
Precautions against scams
Never transfer money to a candidate who claims to be abroad and wants the keys sent via courier. This is a common scam. Viewings must be done in person, and the contract must be signed face-to-face.
If you suspect fraud, you can seek information from the Ministry of Interior. Reports regarding property misuse are filed at the nearest police precinct.
If you need assistance resolving a dispute with a user, visit apartments for rent to contact the team. Support reviews complaints and enforces the site's rules.
Lease agreements and handover protocols
A written lease protects both parties. It locks in the term, rent amount, payment date, and conditions for early termination. Verbal agreements rarely hold up in court.
Include an indexation clause if you are signing a lease for more than a year. This allows you to adjust the amount according to inflation without renegotiating the entire text. Specify who is responsible for minor repairs.
A handover protocol is mandatory. Describe the condition of the walls, floors, furniture, and appliances. Photograph every defect and attach the images to the document. The tenant signs to confirm they accept the property in its current state.
Security deposit and key handover
The standard security deposit in Bulgaria equals one month's rent. It covers potential damages or unpaid utility bills. Return it upon move-out if the apartment is in its original condition.
Hand over the keys only after the contract is signed and the deposit is received. Do not leave spare sets with neighbors without the tenant's knowledge. Change the front door lock cylinder if the previous occupant did not return all copies.
Taxes and registration when renting out your apartment
Rental income is taxable. Individuals owe tax on the annual base after deducting legally recognized expenses. File an annual tax return with the National Revenue Agency by April 30 of the following year.
If you rent out the property through a company, the corresponding corporate tax regime applies. Consulting an accountant prevents fines and filing errors. Consumer protection rules also affect landlords, especially with short-term leases. You can read more about your rights at the Commission for Consumer Protection.
Registering the tenant's address is their responsibility, but you must provide the necessary proof of ownership. Without your consent, they cannot register their current address at your property.
Obligations of a private landlord
Ensure the electrical, plumbing, and heating systems are fully functional. If the water heater breaks down due to normal wear and tear, the repair falls on you. Damage caused by the tenant's negligence is deducted from the security deposit.
Do not enter the property without notice. Even as the owner, the tenant uses the home and has the right to quiet enjoyment. Schedule a time for inspections if you need to check the utilities.
Direct renting, agency, or property management?
Your choice of method depends on the time you can dedicate and your budget for commissions. Each option has its pros and cons for the landlord.
| Criteria | Direct renting | Real estate agency | Property management |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commission | None | Usually half or one month's rent | Percentage of monthly rent |
| Viewings | You conduct them | The broker organizes visits | The manager handles the whole process |
| Contract | You draft the text | The agency provides a template | The company's lawyer drafts the document |
| Rent collection | Your responsibility | Not typically included | The manager tracks payments |
| Repairs | You find contractors | You coordinate with the broker | The company sends its technicians |
Direct renting saves money but requires personal involvement. If you live in another city or lack free time, property management shifts the burden to a professional for a monthly fee.
Frequently asked questions before renting out an apartment
How much security deposit is normal to ask for?
In Bulgaria, practice shows that one month's rent is the standard security deposit. For luxury or newly renovated homes, some owners require two months' rent. The amount is returned upon move-out if there are no damages or outstanding utility debts.
Do I need a notarized rental agreement?
The law does not require mandatory notarization for a standard lease between individuals. A written form with signatures from both parties is sufficient. Notarization is recommended for long-term contracts or when you want stronger evidentiary weight in a dispute.
How should I react if the tenant stops paying?
First, try to contact them to find out the reason. If the delay continues, send a written demand for payment with a deadline. Upon refusal, trigger the termination clause in the contract and seek legal help to vacate the property.
Can I ban pets in the contract?
Yes, you can include an explicit clause prohibiting pets. If the tenant violates this condition, it is grounds for early termination. State this clearly in the listing to save time during viewings.
Who pays the building maintenance fee for common areas?
This depends on your agreement. Typically, the tenant covers ongoing costs for the cleaner and stairwell lighting. If the fee includes a repair fund, many owners prefer to pay it themselves since the investment remains in the building.
What should I do if the tenant causes damage?
Compare the condition with the handover protocol and the photos from move-in day. Deduct the repair cost from the deposit. If the damage exceeds the amount, you have the right to file an additional claim for the difference.
Pre-publication checklist
Before hitting the publish button, go through these steps. They ensure your listing is complete and attracts serious candidates.
- Have you checked current prices for your neighborhood and adjusted the rent accordingly?
- Do you have at least three clear photos taken in natural daylight?
- Have you accurately described the square footage, floor, and exposure?
- Did you specify which utility bills are the tenant's responsibility?
- Are your lease agreement template and handover protocol ready?
- Have you verified that your phone number is correct in your profile?
Preparation determines how quickly you will manage to rent out your apartment. A clear price, accurate photos, and a written lease protect both you and the future occupant. Don't rush to accept the first candidate if you aren't convinced of their reliability. Take the time to verify documents and inspect the property's condition. When you decide to rent out your apartment, use a platform that gives you control over the process. Check messages regularly, reply promptly, and maintain a polite tone. A good landlord attracts responsible tenants and saves themselves the headaches of unpaid bills and damaged walls.