The Process of Renting a Home in Malta

The process of renting a property in Malta or Gozo can be simple, and straightforward.

Malta’s rental market is thriving. If you are considering renting a new home locally, you might find yourself spoilt for choice. This is mainly due to the huge range of different types of property for rent in Malta or Gozo available, especially apartments for rent, on our property market.

Renting property in Malta process

So, the process of renting a property in Malta is quick, right? Not necessarily.

How quickly you can find that special rental home and move into it depends on many factors. For instance, a property for rent in Malta that has already been vacated by a previous tenant and is in good condition may be available for you to move into the next day. In other cases, you may be asked to start your lease in the next week or month or to wait for work to be carried out.

Of course, arriving at the point where you agree on a move-in date with the landlord depends on how long the overall rental process has taken – and how well you have prepared for it. Thanks to this guide, here are some handy tips on the process of renting a home in Malta, what to expect and how to move in faster.  

1. Make your wish list

Before you even begin to browse any rental listings, you need to know what you are looking for. Write down what is most important to you in a rental, from the length of time you expect to be living in it to your preferred locations.

Decide now if you would be living alone or with other tenants, whether your desired locations would be convenient for your daily work commute or are an easy distance from friends or family, and how big the property for rent should be to fit your needs.

Remember also that what you want and what you need out of a rental home may not be the same. You might dream of a seafront apartment to rent for access to the beach, yet a central townhouse for rent might be better suited to your lifestyle.

2. Know your rental budget

At this stage, it is crucial to also establish how much you can realistically afford to spend when renting a property in Malta or Gozo.

Your budget should not only include the amount you can comfortably pay for your monthly rent, but it must also cover the extra costs of utilities such as water, electricity, gas, or an internet, telephone and television package. For example, there may also be ad hoc resident fees to maintain communal areas in an apartment building for rent.

Signing the letting agreement

You should also consider that, at the time of signing the letting agreement, you will be obliged to pay the equivalent of one month’s rent as a deposit in advance, as well as the first month’s rent on the property and the agency fee, which tends to amount to half the monthly rent again.

Once you have communicated your wish list and your budget to your RE/MAX letting agent, they can help you select the type of rental properties – and the trendiest rental locations – that offer you the best fit for your needs.

3. Create a shortlist

Now you can browse the listings on the extensive RE/MAX Malta rental database, bearing in mind your budget and the types of properties you know you are looking for, thanks to your time-saving preparation.

Meanwhile, your RE/MAX letting agent will be carefully selecting a shortlist of properties that fit the brief, so that you can create a refined list of potential homes ready for the next step.

4. View the rental properties

For many, perhaps the most exciting part of the rental process is when you can view the properties for rent in Malta or Gozo on your shortlist in person.

Led by your RE/MAX letting agent – who will be asking all the right questions related to the condition of the property and the terms of the lease – you can visualise how you might live in each one. Much like buying a new place, leasing one depends on you feeling at home there, so now is your chance to explore that.

Having visited the properties on your shortlist, then it is down to you to decide which one – if any – is the right choice for you.

5. Negotiate rental price and sign the contract

Once you have made your decision, your RE/MAX letting agent will negotiate a price with the landlord that is fair for everyone and in keeping with your agreed budget.

If the price negotiation is settled quickly, then you can move directly on to signing the rental agreement for your property for rent in Malta or Gozo. This contract will outline all the mutually agreed terms, including the price, the date payment is due each month, utility costs, and the terms of the deposit.

The contract is normally signed by all parties during a brief meeting, which might also include a run-through of the property’s inventory with the landlord. You will also be asked to settle the deposit, first month’s rent and agency fees at this meeting.

6. Move in!

Once the contract has been signed, all payments settled and inventory taken, you will be handed the keys and are free to move in.

Here, your RE/MAX letting agent is still on-hand to help. Our complete concierge service includes assistance with internet, telephone and television installation, sourcing housekeeping or furniture removal services, recommending reliable contractors for property maintenance, and much more.

The RE/MAX takeaway

RE/MAX Letting is Malta’s oldest dedicated letting team – and the largest. We can guide you through every step of the process of renting a property in Malta, to help you move in faster.