Renting out property in Cyprus: a landlord's guide

Updated: 2026-10-03

1. Get the property ready

Tenants compare many listings, and a clean, well-maintained property rents faster and attracts more reliable tenants. Before you advertise:

• Fix leaks, dripping taps, broken handles and anything that does not work.
• Have the air-conditioning units serviced and the filters cleaned. In Cyprus this is one of the first things tenants check.
• Check the solar water heater, the water tank and the boiler or heating system.
• Look for damp and mould in bathrooms and north-facing rooms, and treat it before you take photos.
• Make sure electrical installations are safe, and fit smoke detectors.
• Get a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). In most cases you need one before you rent out a property.
• Arrange building and contents insurance that covers rented property.

2. Set the right rent

Compare similar properties in the same area: size, number of bedrooms, parking, furnished or unfurnished, distance to universities, business districts or the beach. If you ask too much, the empty months cost you more than the higher rent earns. Furnished apartments near universities and city centres find tenants fast. Family houses attract longer tenancies.

3. Find and screen tenants

Good photos and an honest description in Greek and English, plus Russian or other languages where relevant, reach the widest audience. Before signing, ask for:

• identification (ID card or passport, and residence permit where relevant)
• proof of employment or income
• references from a previous landlord, if available.

Meet the tenant at the viewing and agree in writing who pays which bills.

4. Use a written tenancy agreement

Sign a written contract in a language you and the tenant both understand. It should state at least:

• the names of landlord and tenant, and the property address
• the duration of the tenancy and the notice period
• the monthly rent, payment date and method
• the deposit amount and the conditions for returning it
• who pays electricity, water, internet and the building's common expenses (κοινόχρηστα)
• who is responsible for which repairs
• rules on pets, subletting and alterations.

Some older properties fall under the Cyprus Rent Control Law, which gives tenants extra protection. If your property may be affected, get legal advice before signing.

5. Deposit and inventory

Most landlords ask for a deposit of one or two months' rent. Record the property's condition at move-in with dated photos and a written inventory signed by both sides. This record settles most disputes at the end of the tenancy. Our inspection checklist shows what to record.

6. Taxes and registration

You declare rental income to the Cyprus Tax Department. If you live abroad, you do this too, and you need a Cyprus tax identification number. Allowable deductions and any other contributions depend on your situation, so speak to an accountant. If you plan short-term holiday rentals, you register the property with the Deputy Ministry of Tourism before guests arrive.

7. During the tenancy

Answer repair requests within a day or two. A leaking pipe or a blocked AC drain costs you far more if you leave it. Plan preventive maintenance: AC servicing before summer, gutters and roof checks before winter. Routine inspections, agreed with the tenant in advance, catch issues early.

8. At the end of the tenancy

Carry out a move-out inspection and compare it with the move-in report. You accept normal wear and tear. For damage beyond that, you can deduct the cost from the deposit if you have evidence. Return the balance in writing without delay.