Accommodation in Kazakhstan

If you’re looking for accommodation in Kazakhstan, you’ll find a diverse mix of options, from budget-friendly Soviet-era apartments to sleek, high-end residences. Your budget will largely determine what’s available. While Almaty and Astana (previously Nur-Sultan) are rapidly expanding with new apartment blocks, you may find that older Soviet-style apartments are the more affordable choice.

Although accommodation allowances are no longer a given in most relocation packages, it’s always worth negotiating one. Rental costs in Kazakhstan can be high, particularly if you’re aiming for a modern apartment in a prime location.

Types of accommodation in Kazakhstan

There's a range of different types of accommodation in Kazakhstan, from no-frills Soviet-era apartments to luxury penthouses. The majority of rentals can be categorised as follows:

• Soviet-era apartments – compact, affordable, but often outdated with basic amenities and poor insulation.
• New residential complexes – modern builds with better security, insulation, and smart-home features.
• Luxury residences – high-end apartments and penthouses, often in gated communities with concierge services.
• Freestanding houses – larger homes in the suburbs, ideal if you want space but don’t mind a long commute.

Almaty and Astana are seeing rapid urban development, with expat-friendly neighbourhoods emerging. In Almaty, areas like Samal, Dostyk Plaza, and Mega Park are popular, while in Astana, many international residents settle in Highvill, Khan Shatyr, and EXPO City. Gated communities with private security and modern amenities are also on the rise.

Furnished vs unfurnished

In Almaty and Astana, furnished apartments are more common in expat-friendly areas and short-term rentals, while unfurnished apartments dominate long-term leases in smaller cities.

Rental properties in Kazakhstan come in three varieties: furnished, semi-furnished and completely unfurnished. Furnished properties come fully equipped with furniture, kitchen appliances, and sometimes bedding and utensils. These are common in high-end rentals.

Semi-furnished rentals include essentials like a kitchen set, washing machine, and some furniture. Unfurnished apartments are very bare-bones, with only flooring and basic fixtures. Expect to buy furniture yourself.

Short lets

Many expats start with short-term accommodation while searching for a long-term place. Short-term rentals are widely available if you’re only staying in Kazakhstan for a few months, especially in major cities. Many expats and business travellers opt for Airbnb, serviced apartments, or expat group listings.

Useful links

• Airbnb
• Booking.com
• OLX.kz

Finding accommodation in Kazakhstan

Finding a rental property in Kazakhstan can be straightforward if you know where to look and what to watch out for. Most expats secure housing through real estate agents, online property portals, or social media groups.

Hiring a real estate agent is the simplest way to find accommodation, although this comes with a fee. A bilingual agent can help you navigate rental contracts, negotiate better terms, and, most importantly, avoid scams. In Kazakhstan, tenants typically pay the agent’s fee, which is usually one month’s rent, although in some cases, landlords cover the cost – especially for long-term or premium rentals.

If you prefer to search on your own, Krisha.kz is the most reliable property portal, and Olx.kz and Yandex Real Estate also offer listings. Many expats also find rentals through Facebook and Telegram groups, which allow direct landlord communication and often lower prices. 

Be warned: these platforms also carry a higher risk of rental scams. Never send money before visiting the apartment in person and signing a contract. Some landlords try to avoid formal rental agreements, which can be risky if disputes arise. Always insist on a signed lease contract and check for outstanding utility bills before committing.

The rental market in major cities is highly competitive, particularly in expat-friendly neighbourhoods. In Almaty, areas like Samal, Dostyk, Mega Park, and Bostandyk are in high demand, with quality apartments rented out within days. Astana (Nur-Sultan) is slightly less competitive but still fast-moving in areas like Highvill, Khan Shatyr, and Expo City. If you’re moving between September and October, expect fierce competition, as this is peak season for students and expats.

Useful links

• Krisha.kz
• OLX.kz
• Yandex Real Estate

Renting accommodation in Kazakhstan

Language

If you don’t speak Russian or Kazakh, renting accommodation in Kazakhstan can be challenging. While some landlords and estate agents in Almaty and Astana speak basic English, this is less common in mid-range or budget rentals. In smaller cities, English-speaking landlords are rare.

To avoid miscommunication, consider hiring a bilingual real estate agent or bringing along a trusted translator when viewing properties and signing leases. Many expats also rely on local assistants to help with negotiations and paperwork.

Applications and deposits

Renting an apartment in Kazakhstan is usually straightforward. A passport is the only essential document for expats, although some landlords may request a work visa or residence permit – especially for long-term rentals. Proof of employment is not always required, but providing it can help with negotiations and securing better lease terms.

Deposits typically equal one month’s rent, but high-end apartments may require two months upfront. Some landlords don’t charge a deposit, but this is less common. While deposits should be fully refundable, many tenants report delays or deductions upon move-out. Some landlords keep part of the deposit for cleaning or minor repairs, even if the apartment is left in good condition.

To avoid disputes, always take photos and videos when moving in, and make sure the lease includes clear deposit refund terms. If a landlord has a bad reputation for withholding deposits, some tenants opt to withhold the final month’s rent – but this may not always be legal.

Leases

Lease agreements in Kazakhstan vary in length and flexibility. Most landlords prefer six- to twelve-month leases, but three- to six-month options are sometimes available, although they usually come at a higher monthly rent.

If you need a flexible lease, you may have more success offering a higher monthly rent, a larger deposit or upfront payment for multiple months.

Rent increases are possible unless the contract specifies a fixed rent. Without this, landlords can raise prices with notice, which is why a written lease agreement is essential.

Terminating the lease

Lease termination rules in Kazakhstan favour landlords, but tenants have some protections. A landlord can terminate the lease early if the tenant fails to pay rent for two or more months, the tenant damages the property or causes disturbances, or the building is being demolished or renovated (although this is rare).

A tenant can terminate the lease early if the landlord fails to maintain essential utilities (such as heating or plumbing), or by providing written notice, typically 30 days in advance. If you expect to leave early, negotiate a break clause in your lease before signing. Some tenants sublet their apartments if the contract allows it.

Utilities in Kazakhstan

Utilities are not usually included in the rental price, although some apartments catering specifically to international tenants include utilities in the monthly rent. Either way, despite the freezing winters, water and central heating remain relatively affordable in Kazakhstan.

Electricity

Electricity in Kazakhstan is generally reliable, especially in major cities like Almaty and Astana. Power outages are rare, although older Soviet-era buildings sometimes experience voltage fluctuations or short blackouts during peak demand in winter. Luxury apartments and new residential complexes often have backup generators.

Electricity is metered per apartment, and tenants submit meter readings monthly or use a smart meter system. Bills fluctuate massively by season, with higher usage in winter due to increased lighting and heating. If you’re renting an older apartment, consider using a voltage stabiliser to protect appliances from power surges.

Gas

Most apartments in Almaty, Astana, and other major cities have piped natural gas used for cooking and heating. Some modern buildings rely entirely on electricity instead of gas.

In smaller towns and rural areas, not all homes have access to piped gas, so residents use bottled gas, available from local suppliers. Before renting, check whether the stove is gas-powered or electric, as this can impact your utility costs.

Water

Tap water in Kazakhstan is treated and perfectly safe for boiling, but most residents prefer bottled or filtered water for drinking. Water quality varies, and some areas have high mineral content, which can cause limescale buildup in kettles and appliances.

Water and heating services are managed by local municipalities, and billing is usually separate from electricity and gas. If you’re moving into an apartment where utilities aren’t set up, you may need to register with the local provider.

Bins and recycling

Waste collection is regular in most cities, with apartment buildings having designated dumpsters outside. Recycling in Kazakhstan is still developing, but some cities, including Almaty and Astana, have separate bins for different waste types:

• Yellow bins – Plastic, paper, and metal
• ️Blue bins – Glass
• Grey bins – General waste

Some private recycling initiatives, such as EcoTaxi and KazRecycleService, offer collection services, and some supermarkets have bins for batteries and plastic bottles. However, many residents do not separate waste, and landfill use is still common.

Useful links

• Electricity: KEGOC, AlES, Astana Energosbyt, Samruk-Energy, and AZHK
• Gas: KazTransGas
• Recycling and Waste Management: KazRecycleService and EcoTaxi