Renting an apartment in Riga: a newcomer’s guide

1. Before you view — what to check

• Price basis. Rent is usually quoted €/month; confirm whether utilities (heating, water, electricity, building management) are included or on top. Winter heating in older buildings can be significant.
• Owner vs agency. Owner listings avoid an agency fee (often one month’s rent). Rentu’s listings mark owner ads and show how the price compares to the district median.
• Unusually low price = caution. A price far below the district median, on a fresh or frequently re-posted listing, is a common scam pattern. Never pay a deposit before viewing in person and signing.

2. The lease — what Latvian law gives you

Residential rent is governed by the Dzīvojamo telpu īres likums (in force since 2021):

• Written, fixed-term contract. A residential lease must be in writing and is concluded for a fixed term — get it in writing.
• Security deposit. By law the deposit cannot exceed two months’ rent, returned when you vacate (minus justified deductions).
• Handover act. Sign an acceptance act recording the flat’s condition and meter readings at move-in — it protects your deposit.
• Rent changes during the term are only allowed if the contract sets out how.
• Land Register (optional). Registering the lease protects you if the flat is sold. It’s free but optional.

This is general information, not legal advice. Have a lawyer review any contract before signing.

3. Budget for

• First month’s rent + deposit (up to 2 months) up front.
• Monthly utilities on top of rent (heating is the big variable).
• A possible agency fee if you go through an agent (not with owner listings).

4. Message templates for contacting owners

Most owners reply faster in Latvian or Russian. Copy, fill the [...] placeholders, and send — your grammar doesn’t need to be perfect.

First enquiry — Latvian

Labdien! Redzēju Jūsu sludinājumu par dzīvokli [adrese/rajons]. Vai tas vēl ir pieejams? Vēlos noskatīties. Kad Jums būtu ērti? Paldies!

First enquiry — Russian

Здравствуйте! Увидел(а) ваше объявление о квартире [адрес/район]. Она ещё доступна? Хотел(а) бы посмотреть. Когда вам удобно? Спасибо!

What’s included — Latvian

Sakiet, lūdzu, vai īres maksā ir iekļauti komunālie maksājumi (apkure, ūdens, elektrība, apsaimniekošana)? Cik aptuveni sanāk ziemā? Kāda ir drošības nauda?

What’s included — Russian

Подскажите, пожалуйста, входят ли в аренду коммунальные платежи (отопление, вода, электричество, обслуживание дома)? Сколько примерно выходит зимой? Какой размер депозита?