Finding a home: test the journey before the photos
An editorial checklist for apartment visits and conversations with a landlord.
Begin with your daily travel. Compare actual homes in several neighbourhoods and visit before committing. List rent, utilities, internet, deposit, fees and setup costs separately.
Check water, heating, windows, noise and mobile reception. Record the condition of furniture and equipment. Verify the person’s authority to rent the property and read the agreement before paying.
Foreign residents should separately confirm migration-registration arrangements with their host and the relevant authority. Requirements depend on status. This practical checklist does not replace a contract review.
Sources & context
A russia.direct editorial selection based on open sources. Checked 24 September 2026. Practical suggestions are a decision guide, not a promise of outcomes.
Editorial principles