7 things to verify before signing a rental contract in Albania
Signing the contract is when you win or lose your legal protection. Before you sign, walk through these 7 checks. They cost 30 minutes today — they can save you months of trouble later.
1. Verify real ownership
Ask to see the property certificate or recent registry extract (≤3 months old). The name on the certificate must match the person renting to you. If the "real" owner isn't present, check the specific rental power-of-attorney.
2. Test all fixtures
Open and close every tap, switch every light, open every cabinet. Photograph every defect you see — cracks, damp stains, doors that don't close. Pre-move photos are your protection against damage claims at exit.
3. Check unpaid bills
Ask for the latest electricity, water and common-services bills. Make sure no debt remains — OSHEE can tie it to your contract, not the previous tenant.
4. Read the rent-increase clause
How often and how much can the landlord raise rent? Albanian law sets no cap — it must be in the contract. Insist on something like: "Rent cannot rise by more than 5% per year" or require 60 days' notice.
5. Clarify repair responsibility
Who pays for the boiler? Wall plaster? Standard split: repairs < €50 → tenant; >€50 or structural → landlord. Anything different must be in writing.
6. Specify the deposit precisely
How much is the deposit? When and how is it returned? The contract should say: "Deposit returned within 30 days of exit, minus documented damages". Never accept "we'll talk then".
7. Confirm term and exit
How long does the contract run? Can you exit with notice? Albanian standard: 1 or 2 years, exit with 2 months' notice, no penalty. If the landlord wants an early-exit penalty, make sure it's proportional and clearly written.
Bonus: notarisation
Albanian law requires rentals over 1 year to be notarised. Without notarisation the contract is valid between parties but lacks executive force — weaker legal protection.
