Property guide
How to Verify a Rental Property
A verified rental means more than a real apartment. Before paying, confirm who is entitled to rent it out, inspect the actual property, put the full agreement in writing, document its condition and make every payment traceable. These checks remove most of the avoidable problems tenants face.
01 · Verify the listing and the person renting it
Before sending a reservation fee, deposit or first rent, confirm the exact apartment and the identity of the landlord or authorised representative. A fresh Public Registry extract can help confirm the registered owner and property details. If someone acts for the owner, ask for clear authority to sign and receive money. Be cautious when the person asking for payment will not show the apartment, will not identify the owner or pressures you to transfer money immediately.
02 · Inspect the apartment and building
View the actual apartment whenever possible, not only photos or video. Check heating and cooling, hot water, water pressure, appliances, windows, locks, internet availability, noise, moisture and visible damage. Also look at the entrance, lift, common areas, parking and access. Ask which utilities are active and whether there are any unpaid balances that should be cleared before you move in.
03 · Put the full rental agreement in writing
The contract should identify the landlord, tenant and exact apartment, and state the rental term, rent amount, currency, payment date and payment method. It should also cover the security deposit, utilities and building charges, repairs, notice and early termination, renewal, guests or subletting where relevant, pets if relevant, and what furniture and equipment are included. If the contract is in a language you do not fully understand, use a reliable translation before signing.
04 · Understand the deposit before paying it
The contract should state the deposit amount, what it secures, when deductions are allowed and when the balance must be returned. Under Georgia's Civil Code, security required under a residential tenancy agreement may not exceed three months' rent; where the security is paid in advance, the tenant may pay it in equal monthly instalments over three months. Do not rely on a verbal promise that the deposit will be returned.
05 · Agree every recurring cost
Clarify who pays electricity, gas, water, internet, building or management fees, parking and any other recurring expense. Georgian law provides that additional expenses may be required only where the parties have agreed on them. Put these items in the contract so that a low advertised rent does not turn into unexpected monthly charges.
06 · Create a move-in record
On move-in day, photograph or video the apartment and record existing scratches, stains, damaged furniture, appliance condition and meter readings. Make a simple inventory of keys, access cards, furniture and equipment, and have both sides keep the same record. This is one of the strongest protections against later disputes about damage or missing items.
07 · Know the difference between damage and normal wear
The agreement should explain how repairs are reported and who handles urgent problems. Under the Civil Code, a tenant is not liable for alteration or deterioration caused by normal contractual use. Report leaks, electrical faults, heating problems or other significant defects promptly and keep important communication in writing.
08 · Make payments traceable
Use a bank transfer or another method that leaves clear evidence whenever possible. The payment record should make it clear what month or obligation the payment covers. If cash is used, obtain a dated receipt. Never send rent or a deposit to an unrelated third party unless the landlord's authority and payment instructions are clear in writing.
09 · Plan the move-out before you move in
Read the notice, early-exit and deposit-return rules before signing. At move-out, repeat the condition record, note final meter readings, return all keys and document any agreed deductions from the deposit. Keep the contract, payment history, move-in evidence and move-out evidence until the deposit and final bills are fully settled.
10 · Common rental red flags
Typical warning signs are a price far below comparable apartments, refusal to show the property or ownership details, pressure to pay before verification, a different apartment at viewing than in the listing, vague deposit terms, large unexplained upfront payments, missing payment receipts and important promises that the landlord refuses to put in the contract. If the basic facts cannot be verified, do not let urgency replace due diligence.
For general information only. This guide is not a substitute for legal, tax or investment advice. Verify the facts for your particular transaction and consult a qualified professional when necessary.