Housing and rent in Romania

Housing roadmap

Before arrival (temporary) → Contract → Primărie registration → Utilities

Student housing checklist

• 2–4 weeks before: apply for cămin (dorm) if you want it + join Facebook « chirie + city » groups.
• First week: hostel, Airbnb, or temporary room — do not sign a long lease without viewing the flat.
• Before signing: verify the real landlord (CNP/CUI), written contract in Romanian or bilingual, photo inventory, garanție amount and utilities spelled out.
• After signing: register reședință at primărie (needed for IGI and banks) + landlord IBAN for rent.
• With flatmates: written agreement on bills, cleaning, and guests — attach to the contract or signed message thread.

University dorm (cămin)

• Priority: often for out-of-town students, scholarship holders, or first years — rules vary by university.
• Cost: usually 80–200 EUR/month (cheaper than the private market) but limited places.
• Documents: enrolment, permit/visa, medical certificate if required — ask administrația căminelor.
• Deadlines: summer calls for October intake; spring semester deadlines on your university site.

Where to search

• Imobiliare.ro — Main property portal.
• Storia.ro — Verified listings (OLX group).
• OLX.ro — Many direct owner ads (higher scam risk).
• Facebook — City/university « chirie » groups.
• University housing office — Cămin (dorm) with priority and application deadlines.
• Estate agencies — Commission typically 50%–100% of one month’s rent (negotiate upfront).

Types of housing

• Garsonieră — Studio (often open plan).
• Garsonieră decomandată — Studio with separate kitchen.
• 2 / 3 camere — Two- or three-room flat in a block (apartament în bloc).
• Room in shared flat — Budget option for students.

Indicative rents by city (2026)

Last updated: May 2026 — indicative ranges from 2025–2026 market; always compare live ads on Imobiliare.ro

What a legal contract should include

1. Parties — Names, landlord CNP/CUI and your details (passport + permit).
2. Property — Address, size, furniture inventory.
3. Rent — Amount in RON or EUR, payment day, bank account.
4. Charges — What is included (întreținere block, central heating, water, internet).
5. Deposit (garanție) — Amount and return conditions.
6. Term and notice — Start/end dates, notice period (often 30–60 days — read the text).
7. Registration — Clause on registering the lease with ANAF / rental declaration if required.

Tenant rights (summary)

• Deposit: usually 1–2 months’ rent; return within contractual deadlines after property check.
• Landlord must give notice for visits; challenge abusive access in writing.
• Abusive clauses — Excessive penalties or landlord-only termination: report to ANPC.
• Central heating — Seasonal (approx. Oct–Apr); costs on the block bill.
• Energy market — Liberalised; compare offers (ANRE).

University housing (cămin)

First week: temporary housing

• Hostel / hotel — Booking for 3–7 nights while viewing flats.
• Airbnb / apart-hotel — Useful on arrival; check reviews and contract if staying over 30 days.
• Subletting — Only with written landlord consent; hidden sublets are risky.
• Do not transfer deposits without an in-person visit and signed contract.

Common scams

1. Visit the property and verify the address on Maps.
2. Ask for landlord ID and title (land register extract if possible).
3. Sign a written contract; pay deposit by traceable bank transfer.
4. Keep photos of the condition and all receipts.

Useful links

Last updated: May 2026 — ANPC

Next step: monthly budget, transport, and SIM — Survival guide.