Search on Bazaraki and in local chats, view in person, pay only by transfer. The deposit is usually one month. The contract must run for at least 12 months and be certified by the mukhtar — without it you can't apply for a residence permit.
Where to look
- Bazaraki — the island's main classifieds board. Most listings are from agents, some from owners.
- City Facebook groups and neighbourhood Telegram chats — owners often rent directly there.
- Agencies: a licensed agent has a registration number from the Council of Estate Agents, and you can check it.
- Short term for the first few weeks: Airbnb, Booking, MovingDoors.
Money on moving in
- Deposit: one month is the standard. There are plenty of one-deposit listings; steer clear of ones asking for two.
- Agent's fee: if the owner hired the agent, the tenant shouldn't pay. In practice agents often ask the tenant for half a month or a full month — agree this before the viewing.
- All in, moving in usually costs 2–3 monthly rents up front.
- From 1 July 2026 rent may only be paid by traceable electronic means — bank transfer or card. That is good for tenants: there is always a payment trail.
What the contract must contain
- The names and passport details of both parties, the address and a description of the property.
- The rent, the payment date and method, the deposit amount and the conditions for returning it.
- The term (usually 12 months), the notice period and any break clause.
- Who pays for repairs: structural work, plumbing, electrics and air conditioning are usually the owner's; minor repairs the tenant's.
- Who pays the koina (communal charges). By law this is the owner's obligation, but many contracts pass it to the tenant.
- How rent increases will work.
- An inventory of furniture and appliances, with photos.
What to check at a viewing
- An energy rating of B or better — otherwise it will be cold in winter and heating will be expensive.
- Not the ground floor: damp, insects, cold and a higher risk of burglary.
- An included parking space — a big plus in Limassol.
- A southern aspect and windows on two sides: better ventilation, less mould.
- A seafront position means more mould and more cockroaches in summer.
- Next to a motorway the noise is unbearable even with the windows shut.
Red flags
- They want cash or crypto and won't sign a proper contract.
- They won't let you transfer the electricity and water into your name.
- The owner is "abroad", viewings are "by video only", a deposit is demanded before the viewing.
- The payee doesn't match the name on the contract.
- A price well below market with excellent photos — the classic copied listing.
The Rent Control Law
The Rent Control Law applies only to buildings in controlled zones built before the end of 1999, and protects Cypriot and EU citizens. Almost all housing rented by expats falls outside it — this is ordinary contractual tenancy and disputes go to the district court. So everything that matters must be in the contract.