Accommodation in Romania

There is a good supply of accommodation in Romania, and there is enough variety to suit almost any budget. Certain factors will have to be taken into consideration, including size, cost, transport options and distance from work or school.

Bucharest is home to the largest enclave of expats in Romania, and although it has the country’s priciest accommodation, it’s still reasonably cheap compared to the US and Western European capitals. No matter where in Romania they end up, expats can save a few pennies by living in outlying suburban areas rather than city centres.

Types of accommodation in Romania

Accommodation within cities is usually limited to either modern or old Soviet-style apartment blocks, while housing beyond the city limits varies but tends to be more spacious. Accommodation for expats moving to Romania includes bachelor and multi-bedroom apartments, as well as small cottages and larger villas.

When looking to rent property in Romania, keep in mind that phrases such as ‘three-roomed apartment’ in property advertisements typically refer to the total number of rooms in the entire apartment, not the number of bedrooms (this applies to houses too).

Furnished or unfurnished

You can find both furnished and unfurnished accommodation in Romania. Short-term accommodation is typically fully furnished and serviced, while it’s somewhat rarer, but not impossible, to find fully furnished homes in long-term accommodation. The extent of furnishing available can vary widely – sometimes everything down to bedsheets and cutlery is included, while other times, furnishing is limited to basic appliances and large pieces of furniture such as couches and beds.

In some cases, you may be able to choose whether to rent a particular house or apartment with furniture, without furniture or partially furnished. Including furnishings does push up the rent, but if an expat is staying for a limited period of time, it’s more cost-effective to rent rather than buy furniture or ship goods from home.

Short lets

When first arriving in Romania, it’s a good idea to first rent short-term accommodation. In doing so, you’ll have time to get to know the city’s various neighbourhoods and will be able to arrange everything in person. Short lets can last from a few days to a few months, allowing you flexibility and convenience. Airbnb is a popular option for short lets, or you could use a property management company.

Useful links

• Airbnb
• Vrbo
• Booking.com
• Expedia

Finding accommodation in Romania

Online property portals are a good starting point for finding accommodation in Romania. You can use them to get a broad idea of cost and availability. Real estate scams can occur on these portals, so always view the property in person before handing over any money.

Another option is to use the services of reputable English-speaking real estate agents who are familiar with the local market. They can assist with paperwork and lease negotiations, and are also helpful in negotiating with prospective landlords who don’t speak English.

Some people moving to Romania will be lucky enough to have a relocation company working on their behalf, who will assess their preferences and shortlist properties for them to view. 

Relocation Companies in Romania

Useful links

• Imobiliare.ro
• Storia.ro
• Publi24.ro
• White Mountain: Real estate agency
• RE/MAX Romania: International agency

Renting accommodation in Romania

The cost of renting in Romania will make up the bulk of most living expenses. This cost is on par with, or sometimes cheaper than, accommodation in other Eastern European countries. Renting accommodation in a city centre will generally cost more than in smaller towns and outlying areas, and the rent will obviously be much higher in a modern apartment block than in a 1950s communist building.

Making an application

You may need to undergo a background check or supply references as part of the application process. This can be tricky when you’re new to the country with no rental history. If you can convince your employer to act as a reference, this will be to your advantage.

Those who secure their lease through estate agents may have to pay agency fees based on the monthly rent cost, although in some cases the landlord covers this expense. It’s important to clarify who pays the commission before engaging an agent.

Those with a car should make sure where they can park and what the fees involved will be. Not all accommodation automatically includes a parking space.

Leases

Lease agreements in Romania tend to last for at least 12 months or can have an indefinite length, but you may be able to negotiate shorter leases. Rent is paid monthly and may include basic utilities. Furnished accommodation is also available at a higher price.

Deposits

In order to secure a lease, you typically pay a deposit equivalent to one or two months’ rent – the legal maximum is three months’ rent. The deposit must be held at the landlord’s bank. At the end of the contract, the landlord may deduct expenses from the deposit for repairs to the property and unpaid bills. Unless otherwise stipulated, there may be a penalty for terminating the lease with less than one to two months’ notice.

Terminating the lease

If the contract has a defined period, such as 12 months, then you can terminate the lease for any reason as long as you give notice. Landlords can only terminate a defined lease early to meet their or their family’s personal housing needs. Contracts without defined periods can be cancelled by either party. In all cases, each party must give at least 60 days’ notice to the other party.

Utilities in Romania

Utility fees may or may not be included in the monthly rental fee. This usually depends on the landlord. Ask which items (for example, gas, water or electricity) you would have to pay yourself before signing the lease agreement.

The electricity grid in Romania is managed by the state-owned transmission company, Transelectrica, but the retail market is deregulated. Romania’s water services and garbage removal are both managed by various private companies, so ask your landlords for a recommendation.

Electricity

Romania has a deregulated electricity market, so you’ll need to choose your supplier once you move in. The grid is generally reliable in urban areas, although the country has faced some supply security concerns in recent years due to an increased reliance on electricity imports. 

Romanian properties use standard European plugs (Type C and Type F).

Gas

Natural gas is widely available through pipelines in Romanian cities and larger towns, sourced primarily from domestic production – Romania is actually the EU’s largest natural gas producer. Most apartments use gas for heating and cooking rather than electricity. You’ll need to arrange your own contract with a gas supplier if utilities aren’t included in your rent. In rural areas where piped gas isn’t available, some properties may use bottled LPG gas for cooking and heating.

Water

If it’s not included in your rent, you’ll need to transfer the water account into your name when moving in. Romanian tap water meets EU safety standards and is technically safe to drink, although many locals and expats prefer the taste of bottled water due to the level of chlorine in the supply. Water quality varies by region, and it’s mostly Bucharest and other city-dwellers who report strong chlorine tastes. In apartments, hot water is sometimes supplied through central heating systems. 

Bins and recycling

Romania follows the standard EU recycling norms with colour-coded bins: yellow for plastic and metal packaging, blue for paper and cardboard, green for glass, and grey/black for general waste. Fines can be imposed for improper waste sorting, so make sure to check with your building manager or local authorities if there are any specific regional rules. Most apartment buildings have designated collection areas.

Internet

Romania has some of Europe’s fastest internet speeds, and fibre optic connections are widely available in cities. Major providers include Digi (formerly RCS & RDS), Orange, Telekom Romania, and Vodafone. 

Most providers offer bundled packages including internet, cable TV, and phone services. You can typically arrange installation within a few days of moving in, and many properties already have the infrastructure in place.

Read more about Keeping in Touch in Romania

Useful links

• Electricity: Enel, Engie, E.ON
• Gas: Engie, E.ON, Petrom
• Water: Apa Vital (Bucharest), Apanova (Cluj)
• Waste: Romprest (Bucharest), Bucharest Municipality