Knowledge base / Living in Armenia

Renting an apartment in Yerevan: where to look, what it costs and how to avoid trouble

Updated: October 2026 · 3 min read

Where to search

The main marketplace is list.am, which carries both private and agency listings. Estate.am, real-estate.am and individual agency sites are also worth checking. Facebook groups for expats and repatriates, such as the Repat Armenia group, often have well-described listings.

Many "owner" listings on list.am are actually posted by agents. Ask about fees in your first message.

What it costs

Rents jumped in 2022, then eased somewhat. Numbeo's crowdsourced figures (updated 3 October 2026) give a rough picture:

Kentron and the neighbouring parts of Arabkir are the priciest. Shengavit, Erebuni, Nor Nork, Avan and Malatia-Sebastia are usually cheaper. Renovated flats in new buildings cost noticeably more than older Soviet-era stock. Treat these numbers as a guide, not a price list.

Deposit and agent fees

Landlords usually ask for the first month's rent plus a deposit, most often equal to one month. The deposit comes back when you leave if there is no damage and no unpaid bills.

Agents charge a commission, but the amount and who pays it, tenant or owner, varies. Agree on this before viewings. Pay by bank transfer where possible. If you pay cash, ask for a signed receipt.

The lease

1. Get it in writing.
   A verbal deal gives you very little protection. If you do not read Armenian, ask for an English or Russian version.
2. Check the owner.
   Ask to see the ownership certificate and the owner's ID. The names should match.
3. Spell out the key terms.
   Rent and currency, term, deposit, who pays utilities, who fixes appliances, early termination and rent increases.
4. Record the condition.
   Photograph the flat and furniture on move-in day. This is your best evidence when the deposit is returned.
5. Discuss registration.
   A lease can be notarised and registered with the Cadastre Committee. That gives you stronger protection, though many landlords avoid it.

The tax is the landlord's

Rental income is subject to 10% income tax, with a higher rate on the part above AMD 60 million a year. The landlord pays it, not the tenant. If a company or sole proprietor rents the flat, the tenant usually withholds the tax as a tax agent. Keep this in mind if you plan to rent through your own business.

Utilities and your address

Electricity, gas and water are metered. On top come building maintenance and rubbish fees. Most people pay through Idram, Telcell or their bank app. Write down the account numbers for each meter when you move in. Tenants usually arrange their own internet.

Your lease is useful for a residence permit application and for banks that ask for a local address. Check that the owner is willing to confirm your address if needed.

Common mistakes

• Paying a deposit before a viewing or before checking the owner's documents.
• Leaving utilities and deposit return out of the lease.
• Agreeing to live without a contract to get a lower rent. In a dispute over the deposit or eviction you have nothing to show.

Sources: Numbeo — cost of living in Yerevan; PwC Tax Summaries — rental income tax; Repat Armenia — renting safely; Tax Code — arlis.am.