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How to rent an apartment in Luxembourg
Everything you need to know to find and move into an apartment in Luxembourg.
You can search remotely if you are in another country, and locally if you are in Luxembourg.
Remote
If you are planning to move to Luxembourg and are thinking about finding an apartment, you can search for suitable accommodation from a distance. All you need to do is read reviews of municipalities and neighborhoods, walk the streets with the help of Google Maps, and study the infrastructure. However, you should keep in mind that maps may be out of date, and reviews contain generalized experiences, not personalized ones: it is not certain that you will be comfortable in this particular municipality, town, or district.
There is a risk of not being able to check everything when you try to evaluate an apartment directly. For example, whether there is an unpleasant smell, how noisy the neighbors are, what you can see from the window: wasteland or parking lot, and similar nuances. It makes sense to arrange an online inspection with a real estate agent and ask him to show you the view from the window, and the neighborhood, ask about the smell, and clarify the noise level.
On-site
In this case, you can check everything in person by visiting the apartment. This includes checking the connection and internet, how close the train or airport is, how good the noise insulation is, and how close you and your family are to important places. Finally, you can travel to different communities and choose an apartment in the suburbs near the capital or further away, depending on your budget, preferences, need for office visits, and many other factors.
However, to view the apartment in person, you will need a place to stay for the entire time you are looking for suitable accommodation. This is usually a hotel or an apartment on AirBnB or Booking, which is an additional expense. You will also need to set aside time to walk around and look. This can usually be done during working hours on weekdays, as this is when estate agents work.
Both scenarios have their advantages and disadvantages. They can be summarized in the form of a table.
Finding an apartment: pros and cons of different options
| Viewing time | A tour of the neighborhood, the apartment | Expenses | |
| Remote | At a time that works for you and the agent | It all depends on the details you checked with your realtor | No additional hotel costs |
| On-site | During the realtor's office hours | It depends on what you have studied | Need to find a short-term apartment to stay in while searching |
Registering in the community
Within 3 days of moving to Luxembourg, you must come to the administration office and register. If you are staying in a hotel, you do not need to worry about registration — the hotel will take care of everything. If you are renting through AirBnB or Booking, you should write to the owner of the accommodation and ask if they are willing to register foreigners.
It is usually more difficult to search remotely than offline, as owners want to meet their tenants personally. If you are looking for an apartment for a long-term stay, it is worthwhile to search in person for at least 3-8 weeks. You can do this by staying in a hotel or renting temporary accommodation.
To find an apartment, you will need a bank account.
However you decide to look for accommodation, it is worth narrowing down your search by choosing the most suitable and desirable locations. To do this, you need to understand what Luxembourg is like as a country to live in and what you can choose from.
12
cantons
100
communes
2
major regions
12
communes with city status
Let's learn a little about how to choose a future place to live and what to look for.
Cantons
Luxembourg is divided into 12 cantons: northern cantons — Clervaux, Diekirch, Redange, Vianden, Wiltz; eastern cantons — Echternach, Grevenmacher, Remich; southwestern cantons — Capellen, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg, Mersch. A canton is a unit of administrative-territorial division of the country. It can be compared to a region to make it more familiar.
Communes
The 12 cantons are divided into 100 communes. A commune is the local municipality around which the life of each of its inhabitants is organized. The communes provide public education, for example by assigning children to schools, maintaining local roads and other infrastructure, providing social support and access to medicine, and supplying water, gas, and electricity. Only citizens arriving in Luxembourg or those who have changed their address are registered in the commune. There are 12 communes with city status in the Grand Duchy. These are Luxembourg, Grevenmacher, Vianden and Wiltz, Diekirch, Differdange, Dudelange, Echternach, Esch-sur-Alzette and Ettelbrück.
Major regions
Finally, the cantons are roughly divided between the two major regions of the Grand Duchy: Oesling in the north and Guttland in the south. To make it clearer, we can orient ourselves as follows: Oesling includes the 3 northern cantons of Clervaux, Vianden, and Wiltz. It also partially includes Diekirch and Redange. Guttland includes Echternach, Grevenmacher, Remich, Capellen, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg, Mersch.
Rental costs tend to be lower in the northern part (Oesling) than in the southern part (Guttland).
If you decide to settle in the capital of the Grand Duchy, it's worth exploring Luxembourg's neighborhoods.
132,778 residents
is the population of the capital as of January 1, 2022
24 neighborhoods
range in size and population density
Historic center
The historical center of the city is usually referred to as two districts: Upper Town (Ville Haute) and Lower Town (or Grund). They are considered to be almost the busiest in Luxembourg and are called "Old Town". In addition to the Old Town, the rejuvenated Clausen and the tranquil Pfaffenthal are also considered historical quarters. All 4 quarters are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Documents
PDF
Map "Luxembourg City: its old quarters and fortifications. Boundary of the UNESCO World Heritage property".
EN
FR
LU
Map "Luxembourg City: its old quarters and fortifications. Boundary of the UNESCO World Heritage property".
DownloadVille Haute
The Upper Town has kept its old streets full of attractions: cafes, museums and shops in the medieval tradition. Here you will find, for example, the Cercle Cité cultural center, the Casino Luxembourg forum for contemporary art, the Capuchin Theater, the Royal Hamilius shopping mall, the Bierger Center — a place for registration and issuance of certificates — and many other buildings.
Grund
The lower part of the Old Town is quieter and more peaceful. Grund is closer to the river and would look like a small village if it weren't for the remnants of the city's ancient fortifications. In addition to the fortifications, there is the medieval arched stone bridge Pont-du-Stierchen, the Neumünster Abbey and the Saint-Quirin Chapel, which was carved into the rock in the 14th century.
Clausen
It is one of the smallest and oldest neighborhoods in the capital, but it is best known as one of the centers of active nightlife in the capital.
Pfaffenthal
A neighborhood unique in its charm, located in the valley of the Alzette River, under the Grand Duchess of Charlotte Bridge. Pfaffenthal has a special atmosphere of peace and tranquility, without the hustle and bustle of the other three quarters of the historic center.
All of the neighborhoods in the historic center have common features:
- Low supply on the real estate market and high cost of renting and buying an apartment.
- Difficulties with parking.
Vibrant nightlife
The districts of Gare, Clausen and Hollerich are considered the centers of attraction in the evening.
Gare
The neighborhood is located near the city's main train station. Business offices, shopping malls, hotels, many restaurants and nightclubs ensure a constant flow of people passing through the area day and night. However, perhaps because of its proximity to the main train station, the area has a mixed reputation: social outcasts, homeless people and beggars are often found here.
Clausen
A historic district made famous by its breweries. Over time, the Mousel Brewery in Clausen closed and the old premises were converted into a cult place called "Rives de Clausen" with restaurants, bars, craft beer and raucous parties. Although Clausen can be divided into two parts: the nightlife area near the former brewery and the residential area near the church, on weekends after 18:00 the neighborhood literally becomes a place of attraction for young people.
Hollerich
Like the other two, it is a district known for its nightlife. The southern part is dominated by industrial and public buildings, while to the north is the Parc Merle, one of the largest in Luxembourg.
Business Center
Kirchberg and the adjacent Neudorf-Weimershof are rightly considered the heart of Luxembourg's business life.
Kirchberg
Also known as the European Quarter, Kirchberg is considered one of the most popular places to live in Luxembourg. Many important business centers give the district its unique appearance. It is home to the European Court of Auditors, the European Court of Justice, the European Investment Bank and the European Investment Fund, the Luxexpo exhibition center, the Philharmonic Society, as well as many schools, museums, and parks.
Neudorf-Weimershof
Many large companies, such as Ferrero, used to have their offices in this neighborhood, so it has a business feel to it. Neudorf is considered the gateway to the city: between historic Clausen and Findel Airport. Weimershof is more residential.
Kirchberg
Neudorf-Weimershof
For families with children
Quiet neighborhoods with lots of greenery and well-developed infrastructure: proximity to the center, transportation, schools, parks, playgrounds are ideal for families with children. Most of these neighborhoods are also popular with expats.
Limpertsberg
Limpertsberg is a residential neighborhood known for its many educational institutions. There are several schools in the neighborhood: Lierm and Lihug (cycle 1), Liweb (cycle 2-4), 5 lycées and the campus of the University of Luxembourg. The district is also known for the Glasis parking lot where the Schueberfouer fair takes place. It is also important to emphasize the accessibility of the business center: Limperstberg is connected to Kirchberg by the Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge.
Belair
One of the most expensive neighborhoods to live in Luxembourg with beautiful buildings and close to Merle Park. Belair has a well developed infrastructure for children: 9 playgrounds, 2 municipal kindergartens and a large number of schools: BLC19 (cycle 1), BLDID, BLPH1, BLPH2 (cycles 2-4), BLKA2 (cycles 1-4). The neighborhood also has good transportation links and a large number of surface parking lots.
Merl
A green neighborhood, similar in atmosphere and characteristics to Belair. Merle also has a well-developed infrastructure for children: there are kindergartens, 4 schools — MEKA, MEKA2, MEPO1 for cycle 1 and MEMEP for cycles 2-4. Sports grounds, cultural and community centers can all be found in Merle.
Cessange
The block is close to the Sessange Park. Children's playgrounds and centers, schools: CSV21 and CSVER for cycle 1 and CSCES for cycles 2-4, gymnasiums, cultural center, Boy Konen bike park make Cessange a comfortable Luxembourg neighborhood to live with children.
Gasperich
A neighborhood close to the Luxembourg Gare, but without the disadvantages of the Gare. Many people find Gasperich attractive because of the high concentration of schools (GPVRO, GPVR2, GPVEP, GPV15, GPVGA) and the development of the Ban de Gasperich public park and the Cloche d'Or neighborhood. However, noise from the airport may be slightly audible in some parts of the neighborhood.
Bonnevoie-Sud and Bonnevoie-Nord
These two neighborhoods together form Bonnevoie, the largest area of the city of Bonnevoie with a population of over 15,000 people. South and North Bonnevoie are close to Luxembourg's main railway station and, like Gasperich, do not have the disadvantages of Gare. The neighborhood has a well-developed infrastructure for children: there are many kindergartens, schools, centers, and playgrounds. However, some parts of the Bonnevoie area may be affected by noise from the airport.
Limpertsberg
Belair
Merl
Cessange
Gasperich
Bonnevoie-Sud
Bonnevoie-Nord
Near the airport
Some areas of Luxembourg suffer from aircraft noise from Findel Airport. This disadvantage has created a significant rental market with lower prices compared to other neighborhoods.
Hamm
Green neighborhood with access to international schools in Luxembourg, such as the International School of St. George, with many jogging and biking trails.
Cents
The neighborhood is located near the historic center: not far from Grund and Clausen. Cents has a relaxed atmosphere and a large number of sports facilities.
Hamm
Cents
Green Harbor
Neighborhoods located away from the city center offer an atmosphere of tranquility and unity with nature. They are distinguished by an abundance of recreational areas and walking paths that lead through lush green spaces and forests.
Beggen
Quiet, peaceful and environmentally friendly neighborhood. One of the main attractions is the castle of Beggen. The Avenir football club is also based here.
Dommeldange
A neighborhood like a green oasis on the outskirts of the city, with tempting walking and biking paths between the lush green spaces of Eecherfeld and Mon-Dommeldange. Transportation is provided by the Dommeldange train station.
Mühlenbach
The numerous walking and cycling paths in the greenery of the Eecherfeld and Dommeldange offer the opportunity to immerse yourself in the tranquillity of nature, rivaling the Bambesch forest in the northwest of the neighborhood.
Eich
The area near the Bambesch forest and the Eecherfeld nature park is also close to the Dommeldange train station.
Belair-Nord
Located near the Bambesche forest, the Belair-Nord district is a green oasis, closer to the city center than Esch, Dommeldange, Mühlenbach and Beggen. The Limpertsberg campus of the University of Luxembourg, the Center Hospitalier and the Clinique Pédiatrique (children's hospital) are all close to Belair-Nord.
Weimerskirch
Another green district, closer to the city center. Its special feature is its proximity to European institutions, banks, international companies and conference centers in Kirchberg.
Pulvermühl
This is a very small neighborhood located on the banks of the Alzette River, as close as possible to the historic center. It is crossed by one of the most active tourist routes in the city.
Beggen
Dommeldange
Mühlenbach
Eich
Belair-Nord
Weimerskirch
Pulvermühl
The cost of your future home will depend on many factors: the number of rooms, the presence of pets, access to transportation, but the choice of municipality plays an important role in the price. The north is cheaper than the south, so it will be cheaper to rent an apartment in one of the communes in the north (Wiltz, Clervaux) than in the south (Niederanven, Luxembourg, Walferdange).
Average cost of renting a 1-bedroom apartment*
| Commune | Price (euro) |
| Luxembourg | 1836 |
| Sandweiler | 2170 |
| Walferdange | 1599 |
| Hesperange | 1987 |
| Strassen | 1991 |
| Niederanven | 1925 |
| Bertrange | 1940 |
| Mersch | 1537 |
| Wiltz | 1402 |
| Clervaus | 1248 |
Costs are based on housing data from the Observatoire de 'Habitat, published quarterly by the Luxembourg government.
However, regardless of the community, if you plan to rent a home, the tenant should be prepared for significant expenses on the first day.
What does the tenant pay for the apartment
Payment for the 1st month
The amount is the cost of rent for 2-3 months
Deposit
The amount is the cost of rent for 2-3 months
Agency fee
The agency fee is 1 month's rent plus 17%
Furniture
Usually apartments are rented empty, without appliances and furniture, there is only a kitchenette
Payment of utilities
Utilities are rarely included in the rent; they are usually paid by the tenant
Insurance coverage
Owners are required to purchase risqué locatifs insurance from any insurance company
Agency fees are not paid by the owner but by the tenant
In Luxembourg, it is common practice that there is always an intermediary when renting an apartment. The agency fee is always paid by the tenant
This is a paradox, but it has been established for years because the long-term rental housing offer (a year or more) is much lower than the actual demand. In fact, I think that a fixed rate or an equal split of agency fees between tenant and landlord would be a fairer policy. Overall, one-sided agency fees and excessive deposits make life very difficult for everyone…
Irina Bettendorf, real estate agent, in an interview with Luxtoday
You must pay immediately:
- 2000 euros: payment for the first month
- 4000 or 6000 euros: deposit equal to the rent for 2 or 3 months
- 2000 euros + 17% = 2340: The agent will pay the first month's rent plus 17% (2000*17:100=340)
Total amount
€8340
If the deposit is 2 months rent
€10340
If the deposit is 3 months rent
+ Insurance
Owners often ask for rental risk insurance (risqué locatifs) from one of the insurance companies such as LaLux, Baloise, AXA and Allianz.
Cost
The price of the insurance depends on what type of accommodation you rent: a house or an apartment, how much you decide to insure and what you include in the insurance coverage (the cost of furniture, equipment, etc.). You can expect to pay between 15 and 30 euros per month.
Period
The insurance can be paid either immediately for one year or monthly. In any case, the contract is concluded for one year. It can be terminated earlier if specifically agreed.
Important to know
Keep the following important points in mind and read the tips carefully to help you avoid mistakes when calculating your budget and making a deposit.
The deposit cannot be used as a rental payment
The deposit does not cover the rent! This is stated in every contract. This means that this money can be used for repairs after eviction, for depreciation, so to speak. And to pay utility bills. And you must pay your rent regularly, regardless of the circumstances.
The rental price cannot exceed 5% of the amount invested in this property
According to Luxembourg law, the maximum annual rent cannot exceed 5% of the cost of the property.
However, almost no owner sets 5% because housing is very expensive. In the capital, they usually don't put more than 2-3% on new housing, because otherwise it will be very expensive for the tenant to live in it.
Bank guarantee as security
Don't pay the deposit in cash or by bank transfer to the landlord's account, make it a simple bank guarantee. Otherwise, it will be difficult to get your deposit back, even if you don't damage anything.
Rent-to-salary ratio
There is an unspoken rule: no landlord will rent out an apartment if the income of the family applying for the apartment does not exceed, on average, 3 times the cost of rent plus utilities.
So if you rent an apartment for 2,000 euros and pay 250 euros for utilities, the family should earn at least 6,700 euros. If the income is around 5,000, in many cases such an application will not be accepted. No one is going to refer to a law or a document because they do not exist. It's just the way it is.
You can rent an apartment in Luxembourg for short term (up to 3-6 months) or long term (from six months to one year or more). To open a bank account and obtain a residence permit, you need a long-term lease. Short-term rentals are suitable while you are looking for a permanent home.
Long term rent
There are enough options to rent an apartment in Luxembourg for the long term (from six months or more).
Local websites
See those that specialize in renting and selling apartments and houses. www.athome.lu; www.habiter.lu; www.immotop.lu; www.wortimmo.lu; www.newimmo.lu; www.vivi.lu. These are official portals that display apartments from agencies and do not select potential clients.
Agents
If you do not want to solve the problem of finding a long-term rental in Luxembourg on your own, you can contact an agency. Agents have lists of apartments that indicate the owner's preferences, location, possible completion date, and other factors that help to better sort requests. For short-term rentals in Luxembourg, you can also use the help of agents, but this is an expensive proposition, so it is better to do it yourself if possible.
On advertisement
You can walk around the areas you like and look for advertisements of apartments for rent. The signs usually say: a vendre and telephone. However, there are not many of them and they are usually quite expensive.
Justlanded
A website for expats from different countries with offers for rent and sale in Luxembourg. Owners are mainly interested in long term rentals, but short term rentals can also be negotiated.
Short term rent
Finding temporary accommodation in Luxembourg, i.e. renting an apartment for up to 3-6 months, is generally not difficult. But there is one important condition: you have to ask the owner about the possibility of registering with the municipality for this period in all cases, except when you are staying in a hotel.
Aparthotel
This is a convenient option for those who want to find permanent housing while living in comfortable conditions and evaluating options on the spot. This is an expensive solution, but you don't have to worry about registering with the community — the hotel will take care of everything.
Airbnb or Booking
This is a common way to rent an apartment in Luxembourg. Usually cheaper than a hotel. But! It is important to remember that in this case you have to register with the municipality within 3 days. You should immediately write to the owner of the property and make it clear that you need to register. Not all owners are willing to register foreigners.
Social Media
Facebook, LinkedIn, Telegram, Instagram, internations.org.Not the fastest or easiest, but a possible option: look for ads in groups with expats. Personal communication on social networks is something that can simplify the interaction between tenant and owner. Again, as in the case of Airbnb or Booking, the owner must be warned immediately that you need to register with the community.
Things to consider in your search for a permanent home
In any case, if you are going to live in Luxembourg, you will need to find a place to rent long term. Usually everyone searches on local sites. It is important to take into account some important characteristics of the advertisements published.
Real apartment size
In many ads, the photos are taken with a wide angle lens, so the apartment has a very large appearance. In reality, it may be quite small, so it is important to check the actual square footage of the ad.
Address
If the address is not given in full (only the block) or not at all, the area can only be roughly determined or it is generally impossible to understand where the apartment is and what its surroundings are. Also, on some local websites, apartments without a specific address are shown exactly in the center of Luxembourg, which is usually not true.
Date of rental
Some apartments can be rented with a waiting period of 2 weeks or 2-3 months or more. If you need to provide a bank guarantee as collateral, the waiting period may be the best option for you. This is discussed in more detail in the previous step of this guide in the Bank Guarantee section.
Moving with pets
Typically, there are fewer pet-friendly apartments available for rent than there are pet-friendly options. It is important to pay attention to what the phrase "no pets" means. Often it means no animals at all are allowed: not just cats and dogs, but also rodents or fish.
Limit the number of residents
Some listings specify how many people can move in. If it says one or two people can live on the property, it will not be suitable for a family with children.
Energy efficiency class of the house
Every house in Luxembourg has an energy performance certificate, better known as a home energy pass. It indicates the energy class of the dwelling, i.e. the thermal insulation indicator of your home. The owner of the dwelling must give this certificate to the tenant. The document is valid for 10 years and is transferred from owner to owner. The passport indicates CO2 emissions, energy efficiency, and thermal insulation on a scale from A to I, where A is the rating of houses with the best indicators, B is the rating of low-energy houses, C is the rating of conventional energy-efficient houses, I is the worst energy efficiency indicators.The higher the class, the less you need to turn on the heat in winter and the lower your energy bills will be.
Conditions that apply only to you
The availability of a parking space, if you have a car; an elevator, if this is important to you, for example, if you have a child in a stroller and the apartment is on the 5th floor; 2 bedrooms or 2 bathrooms, or you need an apartment with a balcony, etc.
Show all
Almost all local rental sites allow you to save your search criteria and set up notifications when apartments that match your criteria become available.
It is worth calling rather than writing because in this case, the chances of being able to visit the property you are interested in are much higher. This happens because the demand for apartments is higher than the supply. The agent is simultaneously being texted and called from unknown numbers by many people who want to make an appointment to view the property.
The agent does not know the person who is looking for an apartment, so you should call with a prepared story about yourself, including answers to key questions:
- What is your financial situation, do you have a work contract, where do you work, what is your monthly income
- How many people are in the family, are there children and pets, how many pets are there, what are they like
- What is the psychological situation of the person: how long has he been looking for an apartment or has he just started, has he had a negative experience or not, etc.
Many people are not ready to discuss these things, so they prefer to write an email or meet with an agent in person. But it's faster and more effective to discuss this on the phone.
One of the most important stages is the viewing. This is an opportunity for the prospective tenant to get to know all the nuances of their future home.
What to check
Network
There may be no phone service in the apartment
Internet
Already connected or can be connected
Garbage bins
Find out where to throw garbage
Plumbing
Check the functionality of the faucets, toilet tank, etc.
Double-glazed windows
Do they provide quiet, warmth, and ventilation
Electrical sockets
Check that they are in good working order and conveniently located
Energy class
The higher the energy class, the lower the utility bills
Smell
There should be no foreign, unpleasant odors
View from the window
Make sure you're happy with what you see
Radiators
Check their general condition and functionality
Neighbors
If they make noise, you may feel uncomfortable
Cold drafts
There should be none, nor any strange smells
Be sure to ask the owner
- Who owns the property, is it possible to verify ownership?
- What utilities are paid: water, heating, electricity, sewerage, chimney cleaning, garbage collection or anything else. Ask the owner for a list of them and their costs (les charges).
- Is it possible to provide security in the form of a simple bank guarantee?
- How will further communication take place if the apartment is rented to you: does the owner plan to come and check the general condition; how often; does he plan to receive payment: in person or by transfer to a card?
In Luxembourg, and especially in the capital, it is the landlord who chooses the tenant, since demand is high and supply is limited. Usually, the apartment is shown to several applicants and their documents are sent to the landlord for the final decision. Often it is sufficient to send a copy of your passport or residence permit and a work contract, but not always.
Required documents
Check that you have the required package of documents
The agent will give you the exact list of documents required by the landlord.
*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.
Work Contract
The apartment owner needs to know who the tenant is: who he works for and what company he works for. The amount of remuneration specified in the contract allows the owner to conclude the tenant's solvency.
Passport or Residence Permit
Any legal document that gives the right of residence.
Last three pay cheques
The landlord needs to know if the tenant has a stable income. In some cases, this document is of great importance to the owner and is often requested as a guarantee of solvency.
Family constitution certificate
If you have children, it would be very helpful to show this document. Or at least a written mention that there are children and how old they are.
Family SV
It is optimal to write a summary about your family. This is a short document that describes what a great person you are and explains why you should be the one to rent out your apartment. The letter should make it clear that you are a reliable tenant and a pleasure to do business with. If you have pets, include a description of them. Such a personal letter is very helpful when looking for an apartment.
Check that you have the required package of documents
The agent will give you the exact list of documents required by the landlord.
*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.
The agent acts on behalf of the owner, knows the owner's needs, and the agent's job is to find the right tenant for the owner. Not vice versa.
Feedback from Luxtodays readers
Write a resume for your family, it helps a lot. If you want your daughters to sleep in the same bedroom, then justify in the same letter why — like the children are so close friends that they want to live in the same room (formally you need a 3 bedroom apartment for a family of 4 according to the unwritten rules of renting in Luxembourg, but I don't know your criteria, maybe you are looking for 2 bedrooms for 4 people, hence the rejections).
We once liked an apartment so much that we even offered to pay six months in advance in addition to the deposit; the agent liked us, who "sold" us to the owner in every possible way, but still, the owner said "no, I want a family with a higher monthly income" and turned us down 🙈.
If the apartment owner approves your candidacy as a tenant, they will send you a copy of the lease for your preliminary review. This is not a final document, but a preliminary one: so that the tenant can study everything carefully and ask questions.
The agreement must be in writing in duplicate, as oral agreements are not evidenced.
What to check in the contract
Apartment rental period
Amount of payment
Frequency of payments
Deposit amount and method of security
Termination conditions
Additional rental costs and what is included in them
Inventory of the property with photos of defects: it will be made when entering the apartment
Changes that the tenant has the right to make during his stay in the apartment and what he is not allowed to do
Any other points discussed by the owner
What you need to know about the rental agreement in Luxembourg
Read articleThe agreement must be in writing and in duplicate, as outdated agreements will not be honored.
Rent Cost
The rent is fixed at the time of signing the lease. The terms of the contract can only be adjusted once every 2 years. This means that the amount cannot be revised within two years unless otherwise specified in the contract.
By law, the maximum amount that an owner can receive as rent cannot exceed 5% of the amount that the owner has invested in the property.
This amount is made up of:
- The cost of the land on which the apartment is built;
- The cost of constructing the building;
- The amount invested in any renovations and alterations.
But there are exceptions. Social housing and luxury housing are not subject to the 5% rule.
Security Deposit
A security deposit is a guarantee that money will be paid to the owner if the property is damaged or broken. At the end of the rental period, the deposit will be returned if the tenant has not damaged or broken anything, there are no debts on utility bills, etc. Otherwise, the deposit covers the damage.
You can register a security deposit in one of 4 ways:
First demand guarantee
In the case of an "on demand" guarantee, the owner of the apartment can receive all or part of the deposit from the bank upon request, without the prior consent of the tenant and without giving any reason.
Transfer to the owner's account
The total amount of the deposit is transferred directly to the owner's bank account.
Cash payment
In this case, you give the deposit amount directly to the owner of the apartment in cash, but most likely after the lease expires.
Bank guarantee
If you formalize the deposit as a simple bank guarantee, then the bank freezes the amount specified in the agreement for such and such a landlord. The money will be paid to the apartment owner only if he can prove the legitimacy of the tenant's debt.
Lifehack
The most reliable way to get the deposit back is to deposit it as a simple bank guarantee (not "on-demand"). To do this, however, you need to open a bank account and to open an account, you need a lease. Is it a vicious circle?
Not quite: it is important to understand that the deposit is required and paid precisely at the moment of moving into the apartment, and not at the moment of signing the contract.
Therefore, you can rent an apartment that is not available now, but after some time, for example in 2-4 weeks, and sign a lease. With this contract, go to the bank, open an account, and ask for a simple bank guarantee.
Before the tenant takes possession of the premises, a written report on the condition of the property is prepared.
The act covers all the important points in detail.
Defects
Damage, chips, scratches, etc.
Meter data
To be paid upon arrival
Photo record
It's better to take photos and attach them to the description
The document is signed by both parties on each page. Dated at the time of composition.
Once the tenant has signed the apartment acceptance certificate, he is financially responsible for any damage to the apartment he has rented. The deposit is a guarantee that the apartment will be left in the same condition as when you arrived.
In other words, if you rent an empty apartment with white walls and no lamps or furniture, it must be returned to the owner in this condition. And remember that when you leave, you will almost always be asked to repaint the walls.
Please be informed that if you are renting an apartment or house, utilities may be included in the rent. If so, they must be included in the contract. If utilities are not included in the monthly rent, and there was a previous tenant, transfer the utility bills to your name after them.
To pay utility bills, all you need is a local bank account. In mobile banking, you can set your preferred payment method — automatic collection (domiciliation) or self-payment by bank transfer (virement).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it easy to rent a house in Luxembourg
The process itself is not complicated. However, due to the small availability of apartments and the high demand for them, as well as the need to pay a large amount of rent immediately and wait for the landlord's decision, finding a place to live can seem difficult to many.
How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Luxembourg
The cost of your future home will depend on many factors: the number of rooms, the presence of pets, and transport accessibility, but the choice of municipality plays an important role in the price. The south is more expensive than the north, with an average price of 1,800 euros in Luxembourg and 1,200 euros in Clervaux.
How to find an apartment in Luxembourg
There are many options: depending on whether you plan to rent for a long or short period, you can search on local rental websites, on social networks, through live advertisements and using the services of real estate agents.
What are the rules for renting an apartment
There are a lot of them. It is worth remembering some of the most important ones: 1) the agent is paid by the tenant; 2) the tenant always pays the first month in advance; 3) a deposit is required and should be paid in the form of a simple bank guarantee.
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