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Latvia · Housing & Relocation

Renting in Latvia

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

Most long-term rentals in Latvia (especially in Riga) are advertised on local classifieds like ss.lv and City24.lv, with leases typically running for at least a year and a security deposit on top of the first month's rent. Listings are commonly unfurnished, though furnished apartments aimed at newcomers are widely available in the capital at a premium.

The rental basics

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

Agency fee: Brokerage commission on a rental is standardly about one month's rent; Riga agencies state the service is free for the tenant, with the commission borne by the property owner/landlord after a successful letting. Always confirm in writing who pays before signing.

Address registration

Residents must file a declaration of place of residence (deklarētā dzīvesvieta) with the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP/OCMA), either online via Latvija.lv or in person at a municipal service centre, indicating the legal basis (e.g. a tenancy agreement). A change of residence must be declared within one month (30 days) of moving; a state fee of EUR 4.27 applies for in-person filing, while electronic filing is free. The declaration is needed to open a bank account, enrol children in school/kindergarten and access state and local government services.

Your rights as a tenant

Residential tenancies are governed by Latvia's Residential Tenancy Law (Dzīvojamo telpu īres likums, in force since 1 May 2021), which requires a written rental contract and caps the security deposit on private rentals at no more than two months' rent. Lease terms, deposit handling and notice periods are set in the written contract, so newcomers should read it carefully and clarify deposit-return conditions and maintenance responsibilities before signing.

Good to know

  • ss.lv is the dominant local classifieds site, giving newcomers a large, current pool of listings to browse directly
  • On standard agency-brokered rentals the commission is typically carried by the landlord, so tenants often avoid a separate broker fee
  • Furnished, move-in-ready apartments are widely available in Riga, suiting arrivals who do not want to buy furniture
  • Address registration can be completed online via the Latvija.lv portal, with no state fee for the electronic filing

Watch out for

  • You must declare your address within one month of moving; failing to declare can carry a fine of up to EUR 350 and blocks essentials like opening a bank account
  • Expect to pay a security deposit of one to two months' rent on top of the first month (the legal maximum for private rentals is two months' rent), and confirm in writing the conditions for getting it back to avoid deposit disputes
  • Utilities (heating, electricity, water, internet) are usually not included in rent and are billed on top, which can be significant in winter
  • Avoid paying deposits or rent by wire transfer before viewing a property in person and verifying the landlord, as upfront-payment scams target newcomers in remote listings

Where to look

ss.lvCity24.lvHousingAnywhereSpotahomeFacebook expat/housing groups

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

Renting in Latvia: FAQ

Renting in Latvia: FAQ

How much deposit do I need to rent in Latvia?

Landlords typically ask for around 1 month of rent as a security deposit, on top of the first month upfront, plus any agency fee (brokerage commission on a rental is standardly about one month's rent; riga agencies state the service is free for the tenant, with the commission borne by the property owner/landlord after a successful letting. always confirm in writing who pays before signing.). Budget for that as a lump sum before you arrive.

Do I have to register my address in Latvia?

Yes — Residents must file a declaration of place of residence (deklarētā dzīvesvieta) with the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP/OCMA), either online via Latvija.lv or in person at a municipal service centre, indicating the legal basis (e.g. a tenancy agreement). A change of residence must be declared within one month (30 days) of moving; a state fee of EUR 4.27 applies for in-person filing, while electronic filing is free. The declaration is needed to open a bank account, enrol children in school/kindergarten and access state and local government services.

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

Furnished + unfurnished and the mid-term market nomads rely on is moderate mid-term market. Start your search on ss.lv, City24.lv, HousingAnywhere.

Sources