Apartment Viewing and Rental Contract Checklist for Sofia

Before the viewing

A little preparation makes a short viewing far more useful.

• Write down your budget, including an allowance for utilities and building fees, not just the rent.
• Note your must-haves and deal-breakers: number of rooms, furnishing, parking, pets, a lift, outdoor space.
• Plan the journey to your workplace or university from the exact address, and travel it at the time you would normally commute if you can.
• Ask for the full address, the monthly rent, what it includes and the expected upfront payment before you go.
• If you do not speak Bulgarian, arrange for someone to help with the conversation, as some landlords speak only Bulgarian.
• Bring your phone charged: you will want photos and short videos of each room.

At the viewing: inside the apartment

• Heating and cooling. Ask how the apartment is heated and how heating is billed. Many Sofia buildings use district heating; others rely on electric heaters or air conditioning, which affects your winter bills.
• Damp and mould. Look at window corners, behind furniture, bathroom ceilings and exterior walls.
• Windows and noise. Open and close the windows, check the seals, and listen for street, tram or neighbour noise.
• Water. Run the taps and shower to check pressure and how quickly hot water arrives.
• Electrics and appliances. Try the main appliances, look for loose sockets and ask the age of the boiler.
• Furniture and inventory. If the apartment is furnished, check the condition of what is included and ask whether anything will be removed or replaced.
• Connectivity. Check mobile signal and ask which internet providers serve the building.

At the viewing: the building and street

• The entrance, staircase, lift and common areas — they show how the building is maintained.
• Whether there is a monthly building maintenance fee, and what it covers.
• Parking: is a space included, rented separately, or street parking only?
• Rubbish collection points, nearby shops and the walk to your transport stop.
• How the street feels in the evening, if you can return at a different time.

Questions to ask the landlord or agent

• How long is the minimum rental period, and what notice is needed to leave?
• What happens if I need to leave early?
• Which bills are in my name, and which does the landlord pay?
• Roughly how much have utilities cost previous tenants in summer and in winter?
• Can the rent change during the contract, and how would that be agreed?
• Who arranges and pays for repairs to appliances, plumbing and heating?
• Are pets, additional occupants or working from home acceptable?
• If I need to register my address, will you provide what is required?

Before you sign: what the contract should cover

Ask for the contract in advance so you have time to read it. If it is in Bulgarian, ask for a translation or have someone you trust explain each clause. A clear contract usually states:

• the names of both parties and the full address of the property;
• the monthly rent, the payment date and how it is paid;
• the deposit amount and the conditions for returning it;
• the length of the tenancy, the notice period and early-termination terms;
• which utilities and fees you pay;
• responsibility for repairs and maintenance;
• any rules on pets, occupants, subletting or changes to the apartment.

If something was promised at the viewing — new furniture, a repair, a parking space — make sure it is written into the contract.

Before you pay

• Do not pay a deposit or rent before you have seen the apartment and the written contract.
• Ask to see a document showing that the person renting it out owns the property or is authorised to let it, such as the title deed or a power of attorney.
• Prefer bank transfer, or get a signed receipt for any cash payment.
• Confirm in writing what the first payment covers: deposit, first month’s rent and any agency fee.

On move-in day

• Agree a written handover record with the landlord, often called a приемо-предавателен протокол, listing the furniture, appliances and keys and their condition.
• Record the electricity, water and heating meter readings, and photograph them.
• Take dated photos or videos of every room, including existing marks and damage.
• Keep copies of the signed contract, the handover record and every payment.

Frequently asked questions

More answers are on our FAQ page.

Want someone with you at the viewing?

We arrange viewings, accompany you on them and help with the rental documents. Tell us what you are looking for and we will take it from there.