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Mauritius · Housing & Relocation

Renting in Mauritius

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

Mauritius has a mature, agent-driven rental market that is well used to foreign tenants (the island actively courts remote workers and permit holders). Most long-term residential leases run 12 months, with 24-36 months common in the premium segment that expats typically rent. Furnished apartments and villas are widely available, especially in coastal and northern areas (Grand Baie, Tamarin, Flic en Flac) and around the capital Port Louis/Ebene. Security deposits are modest (one to two months, legally capped at two months excluding charges) and one-off agency fees apply. A nomad arriving on an Occupation/Premium/short-term permit should budget the deposit, first month's rent and an agency commission as move-in cash. There is no German-style municipal address registration; residence is established through the EDB permit, and proof of address is only needed at specific touchpoints (permit, bank account, national ID for citizens). Practical English is universal, listings are mainly on a handful of national property portals, and an active short/mid-term market (Airbnb, serviced apartments) makes it relatively easy to land softly before committing to an annual lease.

The rental basics

Typical lease
1 year
Deposit
2 mo rent
Furnished
Furnished common
Mid-term market
Moderate mid-term market
Address registration
Not required

Agency fee: Tenant-paid agency commission is common, typically one month's rent plus 15% VAT, paid on signature of the lease. Many private/owner-direct listings carry no agency fee.

Your rights as a tenant

Residential tenancies are governed primarily by the Landlord and Tenant Act 1999, supplemented by the Civil Code. The Act gives tenants baseline rights regardless of whether a written lease exists, but it excludes premises let with furniture, board or attendance — so many furnished expat lets fall under the general Civil Code lease rules instead. Landlords cannot evict without valid cause and must follow proper procedure. Deposits are capped at two months' rent (excluding charges) and must be returned within one month of departure once keys are handed over and the inventory is signed, with any deductions justified by estimates or invoices. Tenant notice is generally at least one month for leases under three years and three months for longer leases, usually by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt. A written lease plus a signed inventory (état des lieux) at move-in is strongly advised.

Good to know

  • Foreigner-friendly and English-speaking: the market is used to expats and permit holders, and leasing rules apply equally to foreigners
  • Furnished apartments and villas are widely available in the segments nomads target (north, west coast, Ebene/Port Louis)
  • Low entry cost: deposit legally capped at two months and refundable within one month of move-out, with deductions requiring documented justification
  • An active short/mid-term market (Airbnb, serviced apartments) makes a soft landing relatively easy before signing an annual lease

Watch out for

  • Many furnished expat lets fall outside the Landlord and Tenant Act 1999 (which excludes furnished/board lettings), so protection rests on the written contract and Civil Code — read the lease carefully
  • Budget a one-off agency commission (commonly one month's rent + 15% VAT) on top of the deposit and first month's rent
  • Always sign a written lease and a move-in inventory (état des lieux) to protect the deposit refund
  • Short-term tourist rentals require the host to hold a Tourism Authority vacation-rental licence; confirm a holiday let is licensed, and note premium-area rents are markedly higher than inland
  • Notice periods (about one month for sub-three-year leases, three months for longer) and any break clauses should be checked before committing

Where to look

Lexpress Property (lexpressproperty.com)PropertyCloud (propertycloud.mu)Property Finder Mauritius (propertyfinder.mu)PropertyMap (propertymap.mu)

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

Renting in Mauritius: FAQ

Renting in Mauritius: FAQ

How much deposit do I need to rent in Mauritius?

Landlords typically ask for around 2 months of rent as a security deposit, on top of the first month upfront, plus any agency fee (tenant-paid agency commission is common, typically one month's rent plus 15% vat, paid on signature of the lease. many private/owner-direct listings carry no agency fee.). Budget for that as a lump sum before you arrive.

Do I have to register my address in Mauritius?

Address registration isn't a general requirement for short-stay residents here, but check whether your specific visa or a bank needs proof of address.

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

Furnished common and the mid-term market nomads rely on is moderate mid-term market. Start your search on Lexpress Property (lexpressproperty.com), PropertyCloud (propertycloud.mu), Property Finder Mauritius (propertyfinder.mu).

Sources