Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Relocating to Lithuania for several months or years almost always involves going through the rental process. Whether you’re coming for work, studies, a transfer, or a life project, the Lithuanian market has its own codes, prices, and, most importantly, a very precise legal framework. However, the rental culture is much less entrenched here than in many Western European countries, which can surprise newcomers.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to long-term renting in Lithuania, including market data, the legal framework, best practices, and local specifics you should know.
Understanding the Context of the Lithuanian Rental Market
The first thing to know is that Lithuania is a country of homeowners. About 97.6% of the housing stock is owned by individuals, and only a small fraction of residents rent from a private landlord—around 3% of the population. Long-term renting therefore remains, in the minds of many Lithuanians, a rather temporary solution, often used by foreigners, students, or people in transition.
This situation has several consequences. On the one hand, the rental market is quite tight and leans in favor of landlords, especially in big cities. On the other hand, regulation is less burdensome than in some Western European states: there is no widespread rent control, and landlord-tenant relationships rely heavily on the contract and…practice.
Sharply Rising Demand in Major Cities
Even though the share of “long-term” tenants remains low nationally, demand is exploding in major urban centers. Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda concentrate jobs, universities, services, and therefore the bulk of the rental market.
Several demographic and geopolitical factors (population growth, influx of expatriates and refugees, rural exodus of young professionals, and the future deployment of a German brigade) are strongly intensifying competition for well-located apartments in Lithuania.
In this context, more and more foreigners are choosing Lithuania to work, study, or work remotely. In Vilnius, for example, there were about 73,000 expatriates at the end of 2023. This trend translates directly into an increase in requests for long-term rentals, especially for modern apartments close to public transportation.
A Market Described as “Slightly Landlord-Friendly”
The Lithuanian legal framework aims to be balanced, but judges clearly consider the tenant to be the “weaker party”, to be protected as a priority. The Civil Code and the Law on the Lease of Residential Premises provide strong guarantees: prohibition of unlawful evictions, abusive clauses deemed null and void, obligation to provide habitable housing, etc.
In practice, tenants’ rights are often less respected than the law prescribes. Many leases remain informal or poorly drafted, some landlords avoid tax declarations, and disputes are frequently settled out of court (through a rent discount, early departure, or deduction from the security deposit) rather than through legal proceedings.
For a foreigner considering a long-term rental, it is therefore crucial to master the market’s workings and the legal framework well, and to refuse vague situations.
Where and How Much: Rent Levels and Cost of Living
Rents in Lithuania vary significantly depending on the city, neighborhood, size and condition of the property, but also the type of heating and the lease duration. The gaps between city center and outskirts are pronounced, especially in the three main urban areas: Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda.
Rent Ranges by Type of Housing
Recent data provides some benchmarks, especially for one to three-room apartments (in the Lithuanian sense, meaning the total number of rooms, including the living room).
| City | Housing Type | City Center (€/month) | Outside Center (€/month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vilnius | 1-bedroom apartment | ≈ 744 € | ≈ 532 € |
| Vilnius | 3-bedroom apartment | ≈ 1,282 € | ≈ 865 € |
| Klaipėda | 1-bedroom apartment | ≈ 470 € | ≈ 324 € |
| Klaipėda | 3-bedroom apartment | ≈ 790 € | ≈ 580 € |
Across the three major cities, average rents for a one-bedroom apartment range from around 270 € on the outskirts to over 700 € right in the center, excluding utilities. Very nice properties in prestigious Vilnius neighborhoods (Valakampiai, Antakalnis, Žvėrynas, for example) can reach or even exceed 1,500 to 4,000 € per month for large spaces, and go up to 5,000–6,000 € for some luxury houses.
This is the monthly cost to rent an apartment or room in the center of Telšiai, illustrating the affordability of small towns.
Rents and Living Expenses in Major Cities
To get a more concrete idea of the monthly budget to plan for, you need to consider not only the rent but also utilities, transportation, food, and daily expenses.
| City | Rent Center (room/apt) | Estimated Total Monthly Budget (1 person) | Student Monthly Transport Pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vilnius | 350–900 € | 500–1,200 € | 7.60 € |
| Kaunas | 100–400 € | 400–700 € | 14.00 € |
| Klaipėda | 300–600 € | 400–700 € | 5.60 € (1 zone) |
| Telšiai | 150–250 € | 200–500 € | 3.50 € |
Dining prices also reflect these gaps: a simple meal in the city center generally costs 7–12 € in Vilnius, 5–9 € in Kaunas, 6–12 € in Klaipėda, and 3–8 € in Telšiai. Overall, a careful student or young professional can live in Vilnius on a budget of about 1,000 € per month (rent, utilities, food, transport, and basic leisure), while a comfortable life is rather above that threshold.
The Specific Case of Klaipėda: Rent, Salary, and Cost of Living
Klaipėda is often cited as an interesting compromise between cost and quality of life. The cost of living for a single person there is around $1,057 per month (approximately $509 for rent and utilities, $384 for food, $44 for transport), while the median net salary exceeds $1,500—enough to cover about a month and a half of living expenses.
| Indicator | Klaipėda (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Cost of Living 1 person (without rent) | $548 |
| Rent + Utilities 1 person | $509 |
| Rent 1-bedroom center (40 m²) | $487 |
| Rent 3-bedroom center (80 m²) | $868 |
| Median Net Salary | $1,543 |
For a long-term rental project, this alignment between rents and average incomes is a significant parameter, especially if you’re considering a permanent move rather than just a study stay.
Season, Students, and Price Fluctuations
Rents and availability vary strongly depending on the season. The summer and especially the period before the university semester starts (August–early September) see demand surge, particularly in Vilnius and Kaunas where the student population flocks. Rents then tend to rise slightly, and listings become scarce or disappear very quickly.
Looking for housing in peak season (summer) for a long-term rental requires more responsiveness and often a higher budget. Conversely, signing a lease in spring or very early in the year can offer better negotiating conditions.
Where to Look for a Rental in Lithuania
Thanks to the digitization of the market, almost all rental listings now go through the internet. But the channels remain very varied, and not all offer the same level of transparency or security.
Generalist Real Estate Portals
The main platforms for finding an apartment or house for rent are:
– Aruodas.lt
– Domoplius.lt
– Skelbiu.lt
– Rebaltic.lt
Aruodas and Domoplius clearly dominate the market. Aruodas has an English version, which considerably facilitates the search for foreigners. You can find detailed listings, often with floor plans, photos, sometimes virtual tours, and filtering by city, neighborhood, size, price, heating type, elevator, balcony, etc.
Rebaltic and some agencies like Luxorum or Reside Baltic position themselves more in the mid/high-end segment (renovated apartments, furnished, modern co-living).
Social Networks and Facebook Groups
Facebook groups are extremely used, both by landlords and potential tenants. Among the most active groups are:
« Apartments for rent in Vilnius », « Butų nuoma be tarpininkų Vilniuje » (apartment rentals without intermediaries in Vilnius), « International People in Vilnius »
Foreigners in Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda
These communities provide access to “direct from owner” listings, sometimes more affordable, but also allow you to ask questions, request feedback on a specific neighborhood, or check if a landlord is known for questionable practices. However, this is also where you encounter the most informal proposals and some scam attempts.
Real Estate Agencies and Co-living
Using a real estate agency remains a very common option, especially for a foreign tenant who doesn’t speak Lithuanian:
– Agencies have a portfolio of properties not always published on the portals.
– They know market rents and can help avoid overvaluation.
– They know how to draft a lease compliant with the Lithuanian Civil Code.
– They act as an intermediary in case of minor disputes or misunderstandings.
Essential information on agency fees and the legal obligations of brokers for a secure rental.
Agency fees typically equal one month’s rent.
Brokers must be licensed. This license can be verified with the Lithuanian Chamber of Real Estate (LCRE).
In parallel, a new generation of co-living housing has developed, especially in Vilnius (Chapters, Liv_in, SHED, Solo Society, Youston, etc.). These residences offer furnished studios or rooms with common areas (gyms, lounges, coworking spaces, community events). The rent usually includes all utilities and Wi-Fi, which simplifies daily management. It’s a flexible solution for a stay of several months to a few years, especially for students, young professionals, or digital nomads.
Renting a room in a shared apartment is by far the most economical and social option. In big cities, a room in a shared apartment often rents for between 200 and 300 € per month on the outskirts, more in central Vilnius. Shared accommodation listings are abundant on Facebook, Aruodas, Skelbiu, or Flatio, and particularly target young people and Erasmus students.
Shared accommodation also allows you to test a neighborhood, understand the billing system, and build a network before renting your own place.
What You’ll Really Pay: Rent, Utilities, and Extras
In Lithuania, the “bare” rent does not represent the entire housing budget. Utilities constitute a significant part of the monthly bill, especially in winter.
Rent vs. Utilities: Who Pays What?
The most common scheme is as follows:
– The rent covers the provision of the housing, sometimes a parking space or a garage.
– The condominium/maintenance fees (stairwell cleaning, common area lighting, maintenance, trash) are billed to the tenant, often through the landlord.
– The utilities (heating, hot and cold water, electricity, gas, waste collection, internet, cable TV) are the tenant’s responsibility, with rare exceptions (very high-end leases, co-living, short-term rentals).
For a one-bedroom apartment, the monthly utilities bill is generally between 100 and 200 €, depending on size, insulation, heating type (centralized or independent), and season. Older apartments and poorly insulated Soviet-era buildings have winter bills 15 to 20% higher than recent constructions.
| Housing Type (Vilnius) | Estimated Monthly Utilities |
|---|---|
| 2 rooms, 50 m², old building | 100–115 € |
| 2 rooms, 50 m², post-2000 building | 85–95 € |
| 3 rooms, 85 m², couple or small family | ≈ 160 € (basic utilities) |
It is highly recommended to ask the landlord for the last six bills for heating, electricity, and water. This is often the best way to estimate your actual expenses.
Security Deposit and Other Fees
Landlords almost always request a security deposit—generally equivalent to one to three months’ rent. The law allows a maximum deposit of three months’ rent. This sum is refundable at the end of the lease, provided there are no unpaid amounts or damages beyond normal wear and tear.
The most common practice:
The security deposit is generally equivalent to one month’s rent for modest properties or when the tenant is very creditworthy. It can rise to two, or even three months’ rent for high-end properties or if the landlord perceives a greater financial risk.
In addition to the deposit, the tenant usually pays the first month’s rent upon signing. It is not advisable to pay anything before signing a written contract.
In some co-living or managed residence projects, you also need to consider: the setup of common areas, lease contract management, resident services, security, and communication with occupants.
– administrative fees (sometimes 80 to 120 € for the residence declaration, apartment change, etc.);
– possible parking fees (up to 70 € per month for a reserved spot downtown);
– pet fees, for example a monthly surcharge per animal.
À la carte services (cleaning, repairs, storage, etc.) are charged according to a precise price list, which must be included in the contract or house rules.
The Legal Framework: What Lithuanian Laws Say
One of Lithuania’s strengths, for a serious tenant, is the clarity of its legal arsenal. Relations between landlords and tenants are primarily governed by the Civil Code of the Republic of Lithuania (Book VI) and the Law on the Lease of Residential Premises.
Written Contract: Highly Recommended… and Often Mandatory
In theory, a verbal lease can be valid for an indefinite-term rental between individuals. In practice, it is strongly advised to always sign a written contract.
The law also requires written form in several cases:
– when the landlord is a legal entity (company, municipality, state);
– for any fixed-term lease, even concluded with an individual.
To be fully enforceable against third parties (notably in case of sale of the property), the lease can additionally be registered in the Real Estate Register (Nekilnojamojo turto registras). This registration, for a fee, strengthens the tenant’s security: in case of a change of owner, the new landlord must respect the existing lease.
Mandatory Provisions and Lease Structure
A residential lease in Lithuania must include at minimum:
– the precise address of the property;
– the number of rooms and the area;
– the included technical installations (heating, essential equipment);
– the rights to use common areas (cellars, stairwells, parking, garden);
– the amount of rent, the date and frequency of payment;
– the terms for settling maintenance fees and utilities.
Furthermore, the landlord must provide the tenant with:
– the condominium statutes or regulations (often only in Lithuanian);
– the energy performance certificate for the building or apartment.
If the payment date is not specified, the law imposes a default payment no later than the 20th of the month.
For a foreign tenant, it is preferable that the contract be drafted in Lithuanian and English. However, in case of discrepancy between the two versions, the Lithuanian version prevails in court.
Abusive Clauses: What is Prohibited
Even if some landlords try to introduce unbalanced clauses, the law prohibits a number of provisions. Among clauses considered null and void:
It is prohibited to include in a lease contract clauses that make the tenant responsible for all damages, even those of external origin, authorize unilateral modification of the lease by the landlord, or condition the tenant’s rights on the size of their family. Also prohibited are clauses requiring payment of all remaining rent for a single delay, prohibiting the choice of utility providers, or concerning the rental of passage rooms or outbuildings as dwellings.
If such clauses are included in a lease, they can be declared unenforceable by a court, and may even entail the landlord’s liability.
Duration, Renewal, and Rent Increase
In Lithuania, leases can be:
– fixed-term: 1 year is common for long-term rentals, but the law imposes no minimum. The legal maximum is very high (100 years), but with no practical impact for an individual;
– indefinite-term: the contract continues until terminated by either party.
If the tenant remains in the premises after the expiry of a fixed-term lease and the landlord does not object within ten days, the contract is automatically deemed converted into an indefinite-term lease.
Regarding rents:
– the landlord and tenant are free to set the initial rent;
– the law authorizes only one rent increase per 12-month period;
– any increase must be notified in writing at least three months before it takes effect;
– the increase must be accepted by the tenant and recorded in the contract;
– in case of disagreement, the tenant can take legal action.
Some lease contracts provide for an automatic annual rent review, often linked to an index like inflation, with safeguards to prevent abuse. Furthermore, any sudden and unjustified rent increase can be challenged and reduced by a court decision.
Termination and Eviction: The Procedure
Termination differs depending on the contract type.
Tenant’s side:
– Article 6.609 of the Civil Code allows the tenant to terminate a residential lease with one month’s notice, even if the contract is fixed-term, unless a more favorable stipulation exists.
– In case of the property becoming uninhabitable (fire, major damage), termination can be immediate.
Landlord’s side:
– For an indefinite-term lease, the landlord must notify their intention to terminate the lease at least six months in advance.
– They can terminate early for specific reasons: more than 3 months of unpaid rent, non-payment of utilities, significant damage, non-conforming use (illegal activity or unauthorized commercial activity), etc.
– Eviction can only occur with a court decision and the intervention of a bailiff. Changing locks or cutting off services without a judgment is illegal.
When the property is sold, a new owner cannot freely evict the tenant if the lease is registered in the Real Estate Register. Without registration, the risk of eviction upon sale is higher.
Tenant Rights and Obligations: What You Can Demand… and What’s Expected of You
Lithuanian law clearly enshrines tenant protection, considering them the weaker party in the contract. But this protection comes with fairly strict obligations.
Your Fundamental Rights as a Tenant
By signing a lease in Lithuania, you notably have the right: to safe and secure housing and to the protection of your rights as a tenant.
As a tenant, you have the right to decent and safe housing, as well as peaceful enjoyment of the premises. The landlord must carry out urgent repairs and inform you in writing of any changes to the lease or rent. You can challenge an abusive eviction, an unjustified increase, or a deduction from the security deposit in court, and you are protected against discrimination.
In case of serious breaches by the landlord (persistent refusal to make necessary repairs, for example), the law allows, under conditions, requesting a rent reduction, having certain repairs done at your own expense and deducting them from the rent, or even terminating the lease.
Your Obligations in Return
The tenant must, on their side:
– pay the rent and utilities within the deadlines set in the contract;
– use the property in accordance with its intended purpose (residence, no industrial activity or noisy business without explicit agreement);
– ensure routine maintenance: cleaning, minor repairs (light bulbs, sink traps, etc.), sufficient ventilation to prevent dampness;
– report promptly in writing any serious problem (leaks, water ingress, electrical failure);
– repair or compensate for damages caused by themselves, their family, or their guests, beyond normal wear and tear.
Adult household members have the same rights and obligations as the primary tenant. Cohabitation with visiting friends or guests is permitted. However, for subletting or long-term hosting of other persons, the landlord’s written consent is required, and sometimes that of other adult household members.
Subletting, Roommates, and Guests
Subletting an apartment or part of it is still possible, but strictly regulated. It requires:
– the written agreement of the landlord;
– the agreement of the adult members of the household already registered at the address.
Without this, a sublet may be considered a serious breach justifying termination of the lease.
Temporary guests are tolerated, but if someone moves in permanently, it is prudent to inform the landlord and ensure the number of occupants remains compatible with the lease.
Residence, Residence Permit, and Formalities for Foreigners
For many foreigners, renting in Lithuania is not just about finding a roof: it’s also an essential administrative step for declaring residence and obtaining a residence permit.
Declaring Your Residence: An Obligation for Permanent Residents
All persons residing permanently in Lithuania, including foreigners holding a temporary or permanent residence permit, must declare their residential address. EU citizens benefit from a more flexible regime, but this formality concerns most other nationalities.
Three main options exist for declaring a rented address.
Use the official tax portal to declare your rented address securely and quickly.
Mail the completed official form by post to your Public Finance Center.
Go directly to the counter at your tax service for personalized assistance.
1. The landlord accompanies the tenant to the migration service and signs, on the spot, the consent form for the declaration. 2. The landlord signs a declaration before a notary; the tenant then presents this document, along with the lease, to the administration. 3. If the property is duly registered with the Center of Registers in the landlord’s name, the original lease may sometimes suffice to prove the right of occupancy.
A lease alone is generally not enough to effect an official residence declaration; the landlord’s explicit consent is often required. Furthermore, in managed residences, some landlords may charge an extra fee for this service.
Help and Advice for Migrants: IOM’s Role
Since 1998, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has been present in Lithuania and runs a Migrant Information Centre. This center offers:
– free consultations, by phone, Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm;
– information on housing rental, administrative formalities, residence, and integration issues.
The contact numbers are as follows:
– Free line: 0 800 22922
– Telephone: +370 525 14352
For a newcomer struggling with leases, permits, and residence, this service is a valuable, neutral, and public resource.
How to Secure Your Search and Your Lease in Practice
Faced with a tight market and sometimes informal practices, a few habits can considerably reduce risks.
Never Pay Before Seeing the Property and Signing
Even if the temptation is strong to “reserve” an attractive apartment, especially during a shortage, it is essential to:
– visit the property in person (or at minimum via a reliable video tour);
– verify the landlord’s identity and their right to rent (title deed, power of attorney);
– sign a proper contract;
– only transfer the security deposit and first month’s rent after signing.
Scams remain rare, but they exist – especially via social networks and “pseudo-agents” without a license.
Insist on a Bilingual Lease Detailing All Key Elements
For a tenant who does not read Lithuanian, it is prudent to request:
For a lease contract in Lithuania, ensure it is drafted in Lithuanian and English. It should clearly specify the rent amount, the nature of utilities (included or not), any indexation clause, the security deposit amount, and the conditions for its refund. The notice periods for the tenant and landlord must be specified. Finally, a detailed inventory or key handover protocol, accompanied by photos, should be attached to the contract.
A lawyer specializing in real estate law can review a lease for 100 to 200 €, which is a reasonable investment for a multi-year rental.
Document the Property’s Condition at Move-In and Move-Out
Most disputes concern the security deposit. To limit them, it is useful to:
Before moving in, take detailed **photos or videos** (walls, floors, ceilings, windows, appliances, bathroom). Then create an **inventory** of the furniture and equipment provided. Record these elements in a **handover document** signed by both parties. Repeat this procedure at move-out, in the presence of the landlord or real estate agent.
This provides a solid factual basis for discussing any deductions from the deposit.
Check the Intermediary’s Reputation
In Lithuania, there is no centralized MLS system; each agency manages its own listings. It is therefore useful to:
– verify an agent’s license via the Lithuanian Chamber of Real Estate;
– inquire about the agency or landlord in expatriate groups;
– prioritize known players (Ober-Haus, Rebaltic, etc.) for significant budgets.
Trends: What’s in Store for the Lithuanian Rental Market
To conclude, it’s useful to place your rental project within the overall market evolution.
Vilnius now exceeds this number of inhabitants, contributing to rising rents and a decrease in the number of apartments available for rent.
In this context, renting a property long-term in Lithuania remains a relevant option, provided you approach the market with a good understanding of the rules: compare cities and neighborhoods, include utilities in the budget, refuse “under the table” deals, prioritize written contracts and, if needed, seek advice from professionals and support structures like the IOM.
By combining these precautions with a careful reading of the lease and a minimal understanding of the legal framework, it is entirely possible to find long-term housing in Lithuania under good conditions, whether in the heart of Vilnius, on the Baltic shores in Klaipėda, or in a much more economical small town like Telšiai.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
