Tenants' services

Dear Tenant!

If you are starting the apartment search, you should optimize your time schedule first of all.

Applying to numerous agencies when searching for an apartment has many drawbacks. It not only complicates the task, but also takes a great deal of time and energy. The most effective approach is to entrust the search to a professional realtor, having agreed in advance the terms and conditions of cooperation. VISTA posses extensive, modern databases. We are staffed by experienced professionals. We provide free transportation to facilitate the viewing of apartments. We provide extensive information on each property we are offering on Internet web site. We provide legal assistance in all aspects of the relationship between landlord and tenant. We maintain constant contact with the client not only during the search period, but also during the entire term of the lease.

1. Application

During your first meeting with the agent, it is ideal to give as much information as possible about the type of apartment you are looking for. In addition, any information regarding your preferred price range and method of payment, and ideal time-frame in which the apartment should be found, will also be most helpful. Providing some basic information about yourself and those who will be living in the apartment with you will also assist in the selection of appropriate apartments for viewing.

2. Viewing an Apartment

Due to the heavy congestion on Moscow 's roads, planning more than four to five viewings each day is generally not advisable. In addition to accompanying you on the viewing, your agent will provide you with extensive information about the apartment. This will include photographs and plans which, if necessary, will be helpful while consulting family or friends.

3. Negotiations and signing of the lease agreement

For peace of mind regarding the conditions and obligations of the lease agreement, and in order to be sure that the maximum possible has been done to avoid any potential problems and/or disagreements, it is essential to ensure that the agreement is set out as clearly and precisely as possible.

Entrusting a professional agency with the negotiations regarding the conditions of contract and the drawing up of the lease agreement will ensure that your interests are being served to the highest possible standards. A professional broker will supply you all the relevant documentation concerning the signing of the agreement. This will include: a copy of the lease agreement, a copy of the levy of execution, a copy of the ownership document or a proxy confirmation certificate, a copy of the acceptance-transmission protocol, as well as a copy of the receipt of the rental payment by the Landlord (if paid in cash) or banking details of the owner (if paid by bank transfer). However, in each individual case the set of the documents you receive may differ from those indicated above. VISTA experts will advise you regarding the documentation, which is necessary for the signing of the lease agreement.

4. Insurance

Insurance is generally provided by the landlord. If the apartment which you lease is not insured, relevant advice can be obtained from us.

5. Public Utilities and Telephone Bills

Until recently, public utilities services in Moscow cost, on average, around 120 US Dollars. However, the situation is changing and maintenance costs are rising. This is particularly true of modern high-end buildings where these costs include security, underground parking, building infrastructure etc. While the matter of who will meet these expenses is defined in the lease agreement, it is preferable for responsibility for payment to be given to the landlord (or his/her representative.)

If the apartment is equipped with a telephone line provided by the city, the base tariff is included in the Public Utilities charge. In this case, the tenant is obliged to pay all chargeable,long distance and international calls. If the apartment is equipped with a telephone line provided by a private commercial telephone company, it is necessary to find out the costs and tariffs in advance, and discuss the division of payment with the landlord.

6. Agency Fees.

In general, the fee payable to the leading Moscow real estate agencies is equal to one month's rental payment.

7. Having signed the Lease Agreement

All questions and details are discussed during the negotiation process, as usual. Should any difficulties arise regarding practical aspects of the apartment, or should you experience any disagreements with the landlord, a VISTA consultant will help you solve these problems, and can act as a mediator between Landlord and Tenant.