All You Need to Know Before Renting Property in Malta

If you’re coming to Malta for any extended period, it’s worth considering searching for a property for rent in Malta and Gozo as a holiday rental. As a popular holiday destination, Malta has an abundance of properties like apartments for rent or villas for let in Gozo on a short-term basis.

Due to the size of the rental market, things can seem a little overwhelming at first. So, to help you get started, we’ve put together our top 17 tips for ex-pats thinking about renting a property in Malta or Gozo.

1. Anyone can rent in Malta 

Renting a property in Malta is a simple, straightforward process. Your country of origin or nationality is irrelevant. As long as you have the means to cover the costs of your rent and bills, you can legally find that dream property for rent in Malta or Gozo.

2. Types of holiday rental available 

You can rent any kind of holiday rental imaginable, from studio apartments for let to large villas with landscaped gardens and pools for rent. There is no law that restricts the type of property a foreigner can rent in Malta. Your RE/MAX letting agent has access to a vast database of rental properties on the island and will personally shortlist properties based on your criteria.

3. Short-term vs long-term let 

When searching for a holiday rental in Malta or Gozo, consider that any rental period under six months is considered to be a short let. Short let properties are most sought-after in the summer months, from June to August. The average length of a long-let lease is a year. Learn, in more detail, about long and short Lets in Malta and Gozo. 

4. Where to start looking?

Where should you rent a flat in Malta when on holiday? A good place to start looking for a property for rent in Malta as a holiday rental is just north of Valletta, in the towns of Sliema, St Julian’s, Msida and Swieqi. Centrally located, with good access to public transport, the capital city, shops and other amenities, these areas make a great starting point for any expats new to the island.

Other localities to consider

For a taste of local living, you might want to consider renting in one of the towns and villages further inland. Places such as Naxxar, Attard, Balzan and Mosta can offer lower rents, while still providing good access to amenities and transport links.

If you’re looking for a more tranquil locality with traditional Maltese houses, narrow streets and an altogether more traditional Mediterranean living experience, these are good places to consider.

The towns of Qawra, Bugibba and Mellieha are great places to rent if you’re an expat looking for the beach life. They do, however, tend to get very busy in the summer and transport links are a little limited. On the plus side, rental prices for these holiday rentals can be very reasonable in the winter months. 

5. What are rental prices like in Malta?

Rental prices vary enormously depending on the size and type of property for rent, and its location. If you’re renting in Sliema, St Julian’s or Swieqi, the starting price for a one-bedroom apartment is around €300-€350 monthly.

A larger seafront apartment for rent starts at around €1,200 and goes up all the way to €6,000 a month for a large penthouse in an exclusive community.

Further north, in Qawra, Bugibba and Mellieha, you can find a large seafront apartment for around €400 a month. Expect to pay a premium for anything with a pool or large garden.

6. Permanent residency 

If you would like to apply for permanent residency in Malta, the law states that the rental amount of your chosen property must not be below €350 per month. The property must be rented on a yearly basis.

7. Furnished or unfurnished

If you are searching to rent a property in Malta for summer, most holiday rentals are furnished. This is obviously very handy for an ex-pat looking to move in quickly for a new job. Unfurnished properties are also available, although they are less common.

8. What to expect

Most rental properties contain enough basic essentials (in terms of furniture and fittings) to allow you to move in more or less immediately. The style and decoration of the property vary and can depend on the type of property being rented.

9. Bills

Utility bills are not usually covered in monthly rental payments for long term lets. This means you will need to pay extra for electricity, water, TV service, and WiFi.

10. Fees and deposits

Rental fees usually amount to half a month’s rent. It is also normal for the tenant to pay a security deposit equivalent to one month’s rent. This is returned at the end of the tenancy if there are no reported damages or outstanding bills to pay. The first month’s rent is also paid in advance. 

11. Contracts

Contracts are written in English. Please be aware that, once signed, you are legally obliged to comply with all points within it.

12. The process of renting in Malta

Once you have viewed a selection of properties chosen by the RE/MAX letting team according to your specifications, your letting agent will negotiate the price and terms of the agreement. The contract is signed upon agreement.

A quick visit to the property takes place for a final inspection as well as to note electricity and water metre readings. These are recorded in the contract. Once the deposit and advance rent is paid, the keys are handed over. All in all, it’s a quick and relatively easy process.

13. How to pay rent

Bank transfer by monthly direct debit is the preferred method of payment.

14. Find out more about renting in Malta

The RE/MAX lettings team has a knowledge base about the rental market in Malta for both long lets and short lets.

15. Get an experienced lettings agent

Don’t waste your time or risk your money by going it alone. Our letting agents are experienced, honest and knowledgeable. Best of all, they have access to Malta’s largest database of rental properties.

16. Check out our listings

Our lettings page is simple to use and you can search for your perfect rental property according to a number of criteria including, location, features, bedrooms, price range, and even availability.

17. Enjoy Malta!

Once you’re settled comfortably in your property, enjoy all that Malta has to offer. The sun, sea, history, food, people, events, and lifestyle. We’re happy to have you here!

If you are looking today, it is recommended that you contact a professional estate agent to guide you. 

A professional and experienced agent will have the knowledge and understanding of the market whilst the agent will also have a relationship with the landlord that will pay dividends in the short term when negotiating price, terms of agreement and in the and long term with any future difficulties that may arise with the landlord.