Stable Housing

Renting

Lease vs Rental Contact

If you are renting from someone you should be signing either a lease or rental contract. These documents outline your rights and give you legal recourse if your landlord tries to break them. If the place you are looking at is trying to rent informally, suggest a rental contract as they give the renter protection while still allowing flexibility for the landlord. Renting informally gives the renter NO rights and places them at the whims and mercy of the landlord. A lease is binding for the long term (typically a year). A rental contract, on the other hand, is short term (typically a month by month basis). Rental contracts are renewed at the end of the term automatically unless proper notice (mail, preferably notarized) is given 30 days in advance. At the end of each term, the contract can be renegotiated, so rent can go up or terms such as utility coverage can be changed.

Contract

Any lease or rental contract should contain:

  1. Rent amount and how to pay it
  2. Name of landlord
  3. Security deposits
  4. Duration of contract
    1. If there is no duration listed, the contract is considered indefinite and should include information on how to break the contract.
  5. Rules and fees (no pets, $25 fee for late rent, etc.)
  6. Who pays for which utilities

Tips

  1. Pay rent in a trackable way such as by check or direct deposit so if you are accused of not paying rent you have a paper trail to back you up. 
  2. Keep a physical copy of your lease or rental contract.
  3. Tour the place before renting and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
  4. Remember to ask for your security deposit back.
  5. Send official notices through mail. Notarized mail is better because it gives proof that the landlord received it at a certain date.
  6. Make sure the property is registered by the state.
  7. Get renters insurance.

Resources

https://www.cadastre.am/page/392 

This is a website with frequently asked questions about real estate, including tax, contract, ownership, and registration regulations.

https://www.ombuds.am/en_us 

This is the website for the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia, a place you can reference for help as a worker or employer.

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/994482.html

The Armenian government recently started a social housing program for orphanage graduates, which provides them with housing certificates and also gives psychological support and professional skills in pursuit of ultimately getting employment. Click the link to learn more about this positive step towards adequate housing for everyone in Armenia.

References

Collatz, A. (2019, January 23). The Difference Between a Lease and a Rental Agreement. Retrieved April 21, 2020, from https://www.mysmartmove.com/SmartMove/blog/difference-between-lease-and-rental-agreement.page 

Eberlin, E. (2019, April 23). 7 Basic Parts to Include in Your Rental Lease. Retrieved April 22, 2020, from https://www.thebalancesmb.com/the-5-most-basic-parts-of-a-lease-agreement-2124974

Property Law in Armenia. (2015, May 14). Retrieved May 12, 2020, from https://www.globalpropertyguide.com/Asia/Armenia/Landlord-and-Tenant

Ross, L. (2019, June 7). Tips for First Time Renters. Retrieved April 23, 2020, from https://www.apartments.com/blog/first-time-apartment-renter-tips

White, M. (2019, May 30). 10 Must-Dos When Renting a Home. Retrieved April 23, 2020, from https://www.moving.com/tips/10-must-dos-when-renting-a-home/