Accommodation in Kyrgyzstan

Most expats living in Kyrgyzstan settle in either Bishkek, the capital, or Osh, the country’s second-largest city. Accommodation in Kyrgyzstan is widely available and varied in nature. Depending on their personal and work circumstances, some expats are just as likely to call a small room in a shared family house 'home', but most will unwind in a three-room luxury apartment in a new mid-rise building.

Types of accommodation in Kyrgyzstan

In recent years, more mid-rise luxury-style apartment buildings have found their way into the Bishkek skyline, making for reasonably priced, high-standard accommodation. These can be quite expensive, but accommodation outside the capital is cheaper and typically falls into the category of Soviet-style apartment blocks or small houses.

Amenities such as swimming pools, gardens and private yards are uncommon in Kyrgyzstan, especially in the city centres where most expats choose to settle. Further away from the tightly packed urban spaces, you can find houses with more personal space.

Furnished vs unfurnished

Furnished and semi-furnished apartments are the most common housing options. A semi-furnished apartment may require kitchenware, linen, and small appliances, while a fully furnished house will include everything needed to live comfortably.

There are several furniture stores in larger cities, but they all sell goods imported from China (inexpensive and poor quality), Turkey (pricey) or Europe (very expensive). There are also plenty of skilled craftsmen in Kyrgyzstan available to make furniture and houseware (such as cabinets, tables, and curtains) at a better price, but tracking down a skilled craftsman can be difficult, especially without the necessary language skills.

Short lets

Short lets, known locally as uylar and batirler, have become more popular in Kyrgyzstan. This is largely due to Kyrgyzstan's growing reputation as a tourism hotspot. This benefits expats as they can now book suitable short-term accommodation while exploring different areas and suburbs without breaking the bank. Although platforms like Airbnb are not universally known across the country, they are still the best way to secure short lets in Kyrgyzstan.

Useful links

• Airbnb
• Cozycozy

Finding accommodation in Kyrgyzstan

If an expat's employer arranges their visa and work permit, they will likely also arrange their accommodation in Kyrgyzstan as well. If you have to do it yourself, you can find reasonable accommodation through word-of-mouth or reputable real estate agencies. There are several agencies in Bishkek with English-speaking agents who can narrow down available properties to suit your budget and preferred neighbourhood.

A key thing to note when searching for housing is that a place is advertised by the total number of rooms, not just the number of bedrooms. Therefore, what is called a studio apartment elsewhere is known as a one-room apartment in Kyrgyzstan, a one-bedroom is called a two-room apartment, etc.

There should always be some form of security in your apartment complex or security estate. Usually, it's a 24-hour security guard or a digital code to enter the building. Extra security on top of what is already available is often unnecessary.

Useful links

• House.kg
• 4321 Property
• etagi.com

Renting accommodation in Kyrgyzstan

Making an application

Once you have found a suitable apartment or home, you will have to submit your application to the landlord or real estate agent. Typically, you'll need to submit a valid proof of identity like a copy of your passport, proof of income (employment letter, bank statement, or sponsorship letter), your visa or temporary residence permit if you are applying for a long-term lease. Although this isn't standard across the board, some landlords may also ask for references from previous landlords. 

Leases

Rental agreements in Kyrgyzstan are typically for a year but can be longer or shorter, depending on the tenant's arrangement with the landlord. Lease agreements in the country can be simple verbal agreements or fully drafted legal documents.

Ensure the agreement clearly states who will be responsible for paying for utilities and taxes. It's also likely that your rental contract will be in Russian, so we recommend having a friend or trusted colleague read through it to ensure there are no unfair terms. 

Deposits

Landlords will usually require one month's rent as a security, but some may request up to three months' rent in addition to the first month's payment. Fortunately, the deposit is fully refundable should the property be returned in good condition. 

Terminating the lease

Both tenants and landlords must give at least one month's notice before terminating a lease agreement. If the property is not damaged beyond normal wear and tear, tenants will often receive their security deposit within two weeks of moving out. We recommend conducting and documenting a thorough inspection when moving in and out to ensure you do not incur unfair charges. 

Utilities in Kyrgyzstan

Utilities such as gas, electricity, water, and internet are not typically included in rental prices and are typically an extra expense for the tenant. Some landlords do include one or several utility costs as part of the rental price, but this is not a given. Connecting utilities in Kyrgyzstan will require patience due to the bureaucratic processes involved and the language barrier, but with some persistence, expats can get connected. 

Electricity

There are four electricity distributors in Kyrgyzstan, varying by region. Sever Electro serves the Bishkek and Chuy regions. To register an account with a local energy distributor, you'll need to visit a local branch, submit an online query, or call the company with copies of your passport and lease agreement ready. 

You'll also need to set up a payment method. Fortunately, most distributors offer online payment options, while others will require customers to visit a local branch or payment centre to pay their monthly bills. 

Gas

Natural gas is not commonly used for heating households in Kyrgyzstan, but this is slowly changing in urban areas like Bishkek, where there are plans to expand the natural gas pipelines. Outside these areas, most households still rely on traditional fuel sources for heating. 

Gazprom Kyrgyzstan is a state-owned company that supplies gas to the country. Similar to electricity, you will need to open a new account or transfer an existing one into your name. You will be required to supply the company with your passport, lease agreement, and refundable deposit. Payments are usually made monthly at designated Gazprom offices.

Water

Drinking water in Kyrgyzstan is not always safe, particularly in rural areas where there are water quality issues. Although tap water in Bishkek is largely considered safe, it's still recommended to buy bottled or filtered water to ensure safety. 

Local municipalities supply water in the country, so the account will likely remain in your landlord's name. Some landlords include this cost in the monthly rental fee, while others send you the monthly bill. 

Bins and recycling

Local authorities are responsible for waste collection in Kyrgyzstan, but the country's waste management and recycling infrastructure are still underdeveloped. There is no mandatory waste separation or recycling systems in Kyrgyzstan. Solid household waste is collected daily and taken to landfills. 

That said, private initiatives aim to improve the country's recycling rates. Platforms like Tazar connect residents with recyclers and also promote separate waste collection through mobile apps. 

Useful links

• Department for Regulation of the Fuel and Energy Complex under the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic 
• Gazprom Kyrgyzstan
• Bishkek City Hall
• Tazar