It is fairly easy to find and rent an apartment or house in Cyprus. Many apartments are intended for short- to medium-term rentals with a surplus of rental properties available in the winter off-season. Some flats are available furnished or partially furnished; the rest typically come equipped with a fully fitted kitchen and built-in cupboards/closets. 

Apartments and houses are usually rented on the basis of a contract for a period of one or two years with the possibility of renewal. For these longer-term rentals, landlords usually require the tenant to pay the equivalent of one month’s rent as a deposit and one month’s rent in advance when the contract is signed. The deposit is refunded when the contract expires, except when the owner withholds part or all of it to cover damage. 

The tenant generally pays for utilities with water, electricity and heating costs not included in the rental price. For short-term rentals, of less than 6 months, the rent often includes all utilities and is typically paid in advance.

The cost of renting depends on the location of the building and on factors such as the level of equipment in the accommodation. Prices are generally highest in Nicosia; you'll pay less in Larnaca and Limassol, but properties with sea view or close to the sea do command a premium. Prices may be negotiable with landlords willing to offer a discount on the advertised price.

Finding accommodation

Rental advertisements in English can be found in newspapers and property guides. 

Real estate agencies also represent rental properties. You can search on their websites or ask an agent to take you around and show you a selection. The fee, normally one month’s rent, is paid by the landlord. Many of these real estate agencies also offer relocation services.

• See the AngloFILE for Real Estate Agents in Cyprus

Signing the lease

You need to know:

• the duration of the lease
• whether it can be renewed
• the amount of the deposit and under what conditions is it refundable
• which utilities are included 
• whether the landlord can raise the rent after the initial rental period is over
• who else has keys to the property 

You may also need to confirm whether subletting is allowed, whether you need permission to make superficial changes, whether smoking is allowed, whether pets are allowed and whether parking available.

You may insist that a formal lease agreement in English be drafted and signed, laying down your agreement and your rights. All concessions made to you or repairs promised should be included, with an appendix stating the current condition of the property, furniture, and fittings. The landlord should confirm, in writing, any additions to the contract as well as the termination of the contract itself.

Terminating the lease

Only the tenant has the right to terminate the contract. The notice period should be specified in the contract - typically, one or two month’s notice is required. If you have to leave prior to the expiry of the contract, you are obliged to find another tenant or pay the full rent for the period, provided that the flat remains un-rented. If the landlord rejects three possible tenants that you present, you have the right to terminate and leave within the regular notice period.

Utilities

Electricity

Domestic electricity is 240 V AC, 50Hz. Plugs used are the British-type 13 amp 3 flat pin.  

You should sign up with the Electricity Authority of Cyprus or at local service centres to get the electricity connected. Sometimes, the landlord will do this and charge you according to your meter usage.

• Electricity Authority of Cyprus website (the Customer Services section has comprehensive information in English on changing the account holder details and bill paying).
• Nicosia Tel: 22 84 59 80

Gas

There is no country-wide gas network and natural gas (LPG gas) often used for cooking is sold in canisters (10kg) at petrol stations, grocery shops and supermarkets.

Telephone

There is one telephone operator open to the public in Cyprus: Cyta. Sign up over the phone (call 132), the Internet, or in one of the CytaShops (addresses available on the Cyta website). 

Water

Typically, the landlord will pay for the water. This expense may be forwarded to the tenant.

Further Information

See the EU Factsheet: Finding Accommodation

Any suggestions for extra information that should be on this page?
Just fill in the form to tell us:

^ Top of Page ^