Renting property in Cyprus

• The amount of rent as well as the method and time of payment.
• Duration (how long?).
• Whether it can be renewed or extended.
• Deposit and under what circumstances the landlord can keep it.
• Which utilities will be included.
• If it is an apartment, whether communal expenses will be included.
• Repairs: it is common practice in Cyprus for the landlord to do the repairs while the tenant will fix any damage they will cause. The landlord and tenant can make different arrangements if they want. They must put these arrangements in the contract.
• Insurance: The landlord and tenant must agree on insurance issues.
• Whether the landlord can ask for a larger rent and when (rent can be increased in Cyprus after 22 April 2023, see below).
• Must notify the buyer if they have an interest in the land. The notification must be in writing.
• Various issues like pets, available parking, and whether minor changes are allowed.
• State the condition of the property clearly, perhaps in an Appendix. Taking pictures of the place right before or on the day you move in might be a good idea.
• The notice period.
• Visits from the landlord. A landlord cannot enter the tenant’s home without permission. It might be a good idea to discuss when the landlord can visit. The visits from the landlord cannot be too frequent. Usually, it is twice a year.

1. The landlord will give them notice.
2. The tenant has 21 days to pay. Then, the landlord can file a written notice and apply for eviction.
3. The tenant can repay the rent to the Court, get a court accounting office receipt, and answer the landlord’s application.
4. Within 3 days, the Court Secretary will reject or approve the eviction application.
5. If an eviction order is made, the tenant will be given 90 days to leave the property.

• The tenant has not paid the rent for 21 days after they were given notice to pay.
• The landlord needs the house for themselves, family members, or dependent parents.
• The landlord will do one of the following: demolish and reconstruct or make substantial alterations.
• The tenant is causing nuisance, using the property for illegal/immoral purposes, or has damaged the property by destructive acts or negligence.

It is a good idea to put together a set which will include a document:

• Confirming ownership (for example, a title deed).
• ID (passport or ID card).
• A rental agreement (nevertheless, the landlord and tenant can negotiate some terms anew).

This is a special tax paid in aid of the Cyprus defence. The rate is 2,25%.

SDC is paid by Cyprus tax residents who are also Cyprus-domiciled.

If you are non-domiciled, you are entirely exempt from SDC.

Who is a tax resident of Cyprus? Any person who,

1. spends more than 183 days a year in Cyprus territory; or,
2. 60 days a year and is not tax resident anywhere else; or,
3. does not reside more than 183 days anywhere else and has some tie with Cyprus, including a business.

The landlord will not pay VAT for residential property, which the tenant will not use for a taxable activity.

When will the landlord have to pay VAT?

1. The rental income is more than EUR 15,600 per year; and,
2. The renting started after 17 November 2017; and,
3. The landlord is leasing the property for the purpose of carrying on taxable activities. For example, the tenant will use the property as a retail shop.

The owner must submit to the Deputy Ministry of Tourism an application or solemn declaration that the property has

1. A number of minimum requirements are specified in Article 16 A of the legislation, such as the amenities of a private house, tourist-furnished or private flat.
2. Been registered at Inland Revenue.
3. Been insured for fire, hazards and negligence. Also
4. Include a utility bill, title deeds and the planning permission in the application/ solemn declaration.
5. If the owner is a company, the company must submit a certificate of incorporation.

• It is better to go through a reliable real estate agent and/or lawyer. The real estate agent will charge an agreed commission, and the lawyer will charge an agreed fee.
• Agree with the tenants when you can visit to check the condition of the property (it is usually no more than twice a year).
• Be available if they need your help, and handle the matter as soon as possible.
• You cannot have spare keys, and you only enter the place with permission from the tenant.
• You can enter to show the property to new tenants or buyers, but only with permission from the tenant and upon giving the tenant reasonable notice.
• Treat the tenants with respect.
• Settle disagreements in a friendly manner.
• Replace the lock for new tenants.

• What can you afford?
• How long? Discuss with the landlord whether the lease will be short, long, or to be extended.
• Which area? The larger the area, the easier it is to find something suitable
• If you have pets, you need to make sure with the landlord that pets will be welcome. Pets are members of the family.
• Is the property safe and fit to live in? Check the kitchen, bathroom, windows, doors, walls, the roof and floors, phone reception and so on.

The Emily Post Institute and other experts on manners and etiquette have the following advice for tenants:

• Follow the rules you agreed on.
• Treat your landlord with respect.
• Pay the rent on time.
• Respond to the landlord’s calls.
• Be on time for meetings.
• Clean up when your landlord is going to visit.
• Treat the house as you would if it was your own.
• Avoid frequent complaints.
• Respect the neighbors.

According to the expert website yourmove.uk, the process will be smooth if you:

• Make sure you have paid all the rent.
• Leave the property completely clean.
• Check for damage; repair any damage you caused.
• Contact suppliers like electricity to settle the final bill.
• Notify service providers/ suppliers/ utilities (phone, electricity, Internet, &c.).
• Redirect your mail and leave a forwarding address (perhaps with your former landlord or the real estate agent).
• Take photos before you leave.