An independent reference on renting a home. We neither let nor find housing and are not an agency; we are not connected with the former site on this domain. Not legal advice.
Guides
Knowing the rule helps, but more often you need a short plan: what to do before signing, on the day the keys change hands, when something breaks and before moving out. Those plans are collected on this page, and each one is written to be useful to both parties to the agreement.
Almost every dispute over a flat comes down to one question: what was written down. Write down more than seems necessary.
These checklists show the usual order of steps but are not legal advice. When a large sum is at stake or the parties are already exchanging claims, it is better to bring in a lawyer.
Three checklists for the start of a tenancy.
Ask for the proof of ownership and a passport and check the details against each other. If a representative signs the agreement, read the power of attorney: who issued it and whether it allows letting the home. If in doubt, the owner's details can be checked against official sources.
The handover report is drawn up on the day the keys are handed over. It records the date, meter readings, the number of key sets and the condition of the flat, with an inventory of furniture and appliances attached. Both sides sign it, and each keeps a copy.
Discuss which charges the tenant pays, which stay with the landlord, who submits meter readings and how payment is confirmed. Write this as a separate clause of the agreement, without vague words like "as agreed."
Checklists for when something changes.
Tell the other side about the breakdown right away and in writing, with a photo. See what the agreement says about repairs and agree on who calls the repair person and who pays. Keep the receipts and messages.
Before moving in, discuss whether the tenant may have overnight guests and whether pets are allowed. If the answer is yes, write down the conditions: for example, who is responsible for any damage. If the answer is no, write that down too.
Before moving out, reread the return terms in the agreement. Hand the flat back with a report, checking it against the inventory, and ask for anything withheld from the deposit, and the reason, to be stated in writing.
Start talking about renewal early, rather than waiting for the last week. If the agreement is not short-term, the tenant has a priority right to a new agreement (Article 684), and new terms are best put in writing.
Find the clause on early termination in the agreement: how and where to send the notice. The tenant may terminate the agreement at any time by giving the landlord three months' written notice (Article 687).
If other people live permanently with the tenant, their consent to the termination must also be given in writing.
Write a short notice: who is informing whom, which agreement it concerns and the date it ends. Date and sign it.
Hand over the notice against a signature with the date of receipt, or send it by the method stated in the agreement. Keep a copy and proof of sending.
Set the handover day in advance so both sides have time to prepare the report, take meter readings and discuss returning the security deposit.
The tenancy agreement, handover report, inventory, proof of payment, power of attorney and notice of termination: why you need them and what to check.
Hypothetical situations: a prepayment "for a viewing," a broken appliance, a withheld security deposit, renewal, a room in a shared flat.
Short answers about the form and term of the agreement, the security deposit and utilities, moving out, disputes and scams.
A glossary of renting terms: landlord, tenant, short-term tenancy, handover report, security deposit, encumbrance.
This guide summarizes Chapter 35 of the Russian Civil Code, "Tenancy of Residential Premises," and Article 381.1 on the security deposit. The rules change from time to time, so before signing, check the current version on the official legal information portal and the text of your own agreement, and if a dispute arises, talk to a lawyer.