A practical guide to renting an apartment in Serbia: where to search, typical costs, lease contracts, deposits, address registration, and tenant rights.
The information in this guide may be incomplete or outdated. Laws and regulations in Serbia may change. Before making important decisions, be sure to consult official sources or professionals.
Where to Search for an Apartment
Most rental listings in Serbia are posted on several major online platforms:
Halo Oglasi — the most popular Serbian classifieds website with a huge selection of apartments across the country
Nekretnine.rs — a dedicated real estate portal with convenient filters by neighborhood and price
4zida.rs — a modern platform with an interactive map and detailed descriptions for each listing
City Expert — an agency with verified listings and professional photos, especially popular in Belgrade
In addition to websites, many listings are posted in Facebook groups for expats and international communities. You can also work with a real estate agent — the commission is typically one month's rent.
Typical Costs
Rental prices depend on the city, neighborhood, and condition of the apartment:
Belgrade, central areas (Vracar, Stari Grad, Dorcol): one-bedroom apartment — 400–700 euros per month, two-bedroom — 550–1,000 euros
Novi Sad: one-bedroom — 250–450 euros, two-bedroom — 350–600 euros
Nis, Kragujevac, and smaller cities: rent is significantly cheaper — from 150 to 350 euros for an apartment
Utility bills (infostan) are usually paid separately and amount to 80–150 euros per month, covering electricity, water, heating, and waste collection.
Lease Contracts
It is strongly recommended to sign a written lease agreement (ugovor o zakupu). Key points to pay attention to:
Lease duration — usually 12 months with the option to renew
Rent amount — a fixed sum in euros or dinars
Termination conditions — the standard notice period is 30 days
Obligations of each party — who pays for repairs, utilities, and insurance
Inventory list — a detailed list of furniture and appliances included in the apartment
The contract can be notarized, which provides additional legal protection for both parties. Notarization is especially important if you plan to use the lease agreement for your residence permit application.
Deposit and Kapara
When signing the lease, you will typically need to pay:
Deposit (depozit) — a security deposit equal to one or two months' rent, refundable upon move-out provided the apartment is in good condition
Kapara — an advance payment or earnest money that confirms your commitment. It is usually counted toward the first month's rent
Always obtain a written receipt when handing over money. Document the condition of the apartment when you move in — take photographs and a video of every room to protect yourself in case of disputes over the deposit.
Furnished vs. Unfurnished Apartments
In Serbia, most rental apartments are furnished (namešten stan). This means the apartment comes with a bed, wardrobes, a table, chairs, a washing machine, and basic kitchen appliances. Unfurnished apartments (prazan stan) are less common and are typically 15–25% cheaper.
Neighborhoods in Belgrade and Novi Sad
Belgrade:
Vracar — a green, quiet neighborhood with excellent infrastructure, popular among young professionals
Stari Grad and Dorcol — the historic center with plenty of cafes and restaurants, a vibrant atmosphere
Novi Beograd — modern residential complexes, shopping malls, and convenient public transport connections
Zemun — a cozy neighborhood along the Danube riverfront with a slower pace of life
Novi Sad:
City center (Stari Grad) — a pedestrian zone close to the university and cultural attractions
Liman — a popular residential area with parks and schools
Detelinara and Novi Novi Sad — more affordable housing with good transport links
Tenant Rights
Serbian law provides protections for tenants. Key points include:
A landlord cannot evict you without prior notice and must respect the notice period specified in the lease
Rent increases are only permitted in accordance with the terms stated in the contract
The landlord is obligated to maintain habitable living conditions and carry out major repairs
In case of disputes, tenants can seek resolution through courts or mediation services
Registering Your Address
After moving into a rented apartment, you must register your address of residence. The landlord is required to notify the police of your stay within 24 hours. This is known as the "white card" (beli karton). Address registration is essential for obtaining a residence permit, opening a bank account, and accessing other government services. You can check your registration status on the eUprava portal.