How do you rent an apartment long-term in Tbilisi or Batumi, and what should the contract include?
Term, deposit, subletting and termination under the Civil Code.
Short answer
In a rental contract, check the term, the amount of the security deposit, the subletting terms and how the contract can be ended: these are covered by the Civil Code of Georgia. Under the Code, the deposit may not exceed three months' rent, and termination is made in writing.
Why
- Article 531 of the Civil Code: the lessor gives the thing to the lessee for a specified period, and the lessee pays the agreed rent.
- Article 552: the security may not exceed three times one month's rent, it may be paid in three equal monthly instalments, and the interest on it is returned with the security.
- Article 563: termination of a tenancy agreement is made in writing.
Details
Besides the deposit, the Code describes other terms worth seeing in the contract. The tenant may not pass the thing on to a third person without the lessor's consent (Art. 549), and a family member is not a third person. If the thing has defects, the rent is reduced (Art. 536). On return, the home goes back in the condition it was received in, allowing for normal wear (Art. 564). A tenant of a dwelling can end the agreement early with one month's notice by offering a solvent replacement tenant (Art. 555), and the lessor may terminate early if rent has not been paid for three months (Art. 558).
For prices and running costs, read how much accommodation costs in Georgia and how much electricity, gas and utilities cost. If you have a pet, see whether you can rent a flat with a dog or cat.
Tip
Put the term, the deposit amount and the return conditions in the contract, and describe the condition of the home at move-in in writing, so you can rely on Article 564 when you leave.
What may differ
The Code is amended over time, and a contract may set other terms within the law. Have a lawyer look at the contract before you sign. The landlord's tax obligations are not covered here.
Common misconception
The landlord can ask for a deposit of any size.
What actually happens
Under Article 552 of the Civil Code of Georgia, the security may not exceed three times the monthly rent, and the interest on it is returned with the security.
People also ask
- How to rent an apartment in Georgia?
- How big can a rental deposit be in Georgia?
Sources
This is reference information from the Civil Code as of 2026-11-10 and not legal advice. It is best to have a lawyer review the contract.
Renting in Georgia: lease contract and depositRelated questions
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