Skip to content

Cyprus · Housing & Relocation

Renting in Cyprus

Partially verified Last verified June 15, 2026 Reviewed by Henry van de Vorming

In the Republic of Cyprus most long-term rentals are arranged through estate agents or online marketplaces, with standard 12-month contracts and an upfront cost of first month's rent plus a deposit. Newer-build homes are governed by ordinary contract law, while only older properties (completed by the end of 1999) in designated "controlled areas" fall under the statutory Rent Control regime.

The rental basics

Typical lease
1 year
Deposit
1 mo rent
Furnished
Furnished common
Mid-term market
Moderate mid-term market
Address registration
Required

Agency fee: When you rent through an estate agent the agency commission is typically about one month's rent; many private listings (e.g. via Bazaraki or Facebook groups) are agent-free.

Address registration

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens staying more than three months must apply for a Registration Certificate (form MEU1, the "Yellow Slip") within four months of arrival; the application is handled by the Civil Registry and Migration Department / the local district immigration unit. Non-EU nationals follow a separate residence-permit process. The application establishes legal residence and address, and a certified, tax-stamped rental agreement (generally at least one year) or a sale agreement is typically accepted as proof of address.

Your rights as a tenant

The Rent Control Law (Cap. 23 / Law 23/1983) gives "statutory tenant" protection — against arbitrary eviction (the law lists specific permitted grounds) and capped rent increases — only for residential or commercial properties completed by 31 December 1999 and located in designated "controlled areas". The maximum rent increase is reviewed by the Council of Ministers every two years and is currently set at 6% for the period 22 April 2025 to 21 April 2027. Tenancies in newer buildings fall outside this regime and are governed by the terms of the contract and general contract law.

Good to know

  • Bazaraki and Spitogatos list large volumes of rentals across all districts, and many landlords advertise directly so an agent fee can often be avoided
  • Furnished apartments are widely available and popular with newcomers, allowing a quick move-in
  • Standard 12-month leases are the norm, and longer 18-24 month commitments can sometimes secure better monthly rates
  • English is widely used in property listings and agreements, easing the process for international arrivals

Watch out for

  • Most homes completed after 1999 fall outside the Rent Control Law, so tenant protections depend largely on what the contract states - read it carefully before signing
  • Expect to pay the first month's rent plus a deposit (commonly one month, but often up to two months for furnished or shorter lets), and possibly an agent's commission, upfront
  • Deposit-return and condition disputes are common; document the property's state at move-in and keep the contract
  • EU citizens must register (MEU1 / Yellow Slip) within four months of arrival, and a certified, tax-stamped lease is typically needed as proof of address
  • Short-term and holiday rentals must be registered with the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, so verify that a mid-term let is properly arranged before paying

Where to look

BazarakiSpitogatosZyprus

Platforms are listed for orientation only — we don't endorse or rank them.

Renting in Cyprus: FAQ

Renting in Cyprus: FAQ

How much deposit do I need to rent in Cyprus?

Landlords typically ask for around 1 month of rent as a security deposit, on top of the first month upfront, plus any agency fee (when you rent through an estate agent the agency commission is typically about one month's rent; many private listings (e.g. via bazaraki or facebook groups) are agent-free.). Budget for that as a lump sum before you arrive.

Do I have to register my address in Cyprus?

Yes — EU/EEA/Swiss citizens staying more than three months must apply for a Registration Certificate (form MEU1, the "Yellow Slip") within four months of arrival; the application is handled by the Civil Registry and Migration Department / the local district immigration unit. Non-EU nationals follow a separate residence-permit process. The application establishes legal residence and address, and a certified, tax-stamped rental agreement (generally at least one year) or a sale agreement is typically accepted as proof of address.

Can I find furnished or short-term rentals in Cyprus?

Furnished common and the mid-term market nomads rely on is moderate mid-term market. Start your search on Bazaraki, Spitogatos, Zyprus.

Sources