Renting an apartment in Tallinn and budgeting for the move

Comparing Tallinn apartments solely by monthly rent can be misleading. Similar advertised prices may involve different payments at the start and very different winter bills. Before a viewing, prepare two budgets: the one-off cost of moving in and the regular cost of living there. This helps rule out homes with affordable rent but initial payments beyond your available funds.

Payments that may arise when moving in

The initial budget may include the first rent payment, a security deposit, an agreed brokerage charge, removals and essential purchases for the apartment. Tie every amount to a specific agreement and recipient. Do not assume that a commission is compulsory simply because it appears in other listings.

A security deposit, or tagatisraha, agreed in a residential tenancy can be up to three months' rent. The law gives the tenant the right to pay it in three equal monthly instalments, with the first payable after the contract is concluded. The deposit itself must be agreed. It secures contractual claims and is not automatically a non-refundable service charge. ^[2]

Building the move-in budget

List every agreed amount and its due date: first rent, a deposit instalment, any separate intermediary service, transport and necessary purchases. Add up the payments due before receiving the keys separately from those due in later months. If the deposit is paid in instalments, include the schedule. A brokerage fee and the obligation to pay it must follow from your agreements, not merely from the agent's usual way of working.

Keep the deposit separate from money that is permanently spent. If obligations are met, it is repayable subject to justified claims. Nevertheless, the relevant funds must be available when the deposit payment falls due.

Which utility bills to request

Ask to see bills from several winter and summer months, preferably covering the most recent full year. Establish what the advertised price includes and what is payable separately: heating, water, electricity, internet, parking and agreed building costs. The ministry's rental guidance recommends defining additional charges in the contract. A phrase such as all the owner's expenses needs clarification before signing. ^[1]

A previous resident's bill indicates the scale of costs, but your water and energy use may differ. Ask how many people lived there and whether there were long periods of absence. If the building's heating system was recently changed, older winter bills may be less informative.

Checking the apartment and landlord

Verify ownership in the land register. When dealing with a representative, request evidence of their authority. If a company signs the contract, check its details and the person entitled to sign. Official rental guidance identifies the land register and business register as sources for these checks. ^[1]

During the viewing, check the water supply, windows, doors, heating and available appliances. Clarify rules about pets, the number of residents and working from home if they matter to you. Test the actual journey to work or school at the relevant time rather than relying solely on distance on a map.

Recording the handover

The handover record should identify meter readings, the number of keys, furniture, appliances and existing damage. Take photographs and give both parties the same set of records. Keep the contract, payment confirmations and important correspondence together.

Before paying, make sure the contract duration, termination arrangements, rent changes and deposit return conditions are clear. If a term is disputed or unclear, obtain legal clarification before transferring money. You can use the Ärirada directory to find property agencies, removal services and cleaning companies when organising the move.