Ten costly mistakes to avoid when renting furnished apartments in Athens
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What Erasmus students and nomads get wrong with accommodation in Athens...
Are you moving to Athens to have a great time during your Erasmus year? Or maybe you're a nomad looking for a new experience?
If so, it's not always easy to find and rent the best apartment.
This article helps you avoid some of the costliest mistakes... and instead focus on what matters most: meeting new people and exploring Athens!
Here are the top 10 mistakes you should avoid.
1. Not signing a contract
Reading and signing a contract is the first thing you should do when renting an apartment. A contract can protect you from fraud.
The most important things to look for are the deposit and termination clauses.
The deposit is what you pay when you sign the contract.
You should receive the deposit back in full upon your departure. Provided, of course, there is no damage to the property, and you've paid all your bills on time.
The termination clause states how much notice you must give the landlord before leaving.
2. Trusting everything that the listing description says
When looking for a student room or apartment to rent online, make sure you read everything.
It is common to see listings that say "fully-furnished" or "all bills included." But then it turns out there isn't a fridge or washing machine in the house... and you have to pay extra every month for water and electricity.
Make sure the contract you sign describes what you're getting exactly.
3. Not asking about pets, noise, and smoking policy
Some landlords consider pets or noise to be a deal-breaker. Some want only non-smokers in their apartments. Others don't care what you do as long as you pay your rent on time.
Make sure you know where the landlord stands before you sign a lease.
4. Not paying attention to the exact location of your apartment
It isn't easy to find apartments for students in Athens near your campus or university building.
But it doesn't mean that you should settle for anything less than that.
By choosing a place that is far away from where you go every day, you might face a longer commute... and unexpected costs that come with it.
5. Not asking about internet connection, furniture, appliances, etc.
The description of a flat or a room may be incomplete.
To avoid unpleasant surprises after making a move-in, like discovering missing kitchen appliances or realizing that there is no furniture in the bedroom except for a bed... make sure to ask all these questions before signing a contract.
It might seem like a harmless detail, but it can be a huge issue if you're moving into an Erasmus apartment in Athens, especially during the summer months.
Athens is not just hot. It's also humid, which can make you feel like you're living in a sauna.
So ask your landlord whether the house has air conditioning and the procedure to turn it on.
And don't expect to find an air conditioner in every room; usually, there's one or two in a house.
If there's no air conditioner at all, look for another place! You'll be glad you did.
6. Picking an apartment without considering who you're living with
Do your homework and interview the people you'll be living with - this will save you from some unpleasant surprises!
If you want to live with other people in an apartment, be sure to ask to meet them before signing the contract.
If your landlord refuses, keep looking.
7. Not taking photos of the apartment before moving in
You may think your landlord will never try anything shady with your deposit money... but unfortunately, that's not always the case.
To protect yourself from false damage claims, take photos of the entire apartment before moving in (or better yet, video).
Make sure everything looks OK — no holes or water leaks — and note any damage or issues on your contract.
That way, when it's time to get your deposit back, you have proof.
And having proof will protect you from any landlord's attempts to "load" you with any repair costs... for things you didn't damage.
8. Not getting a receipt for any cash payment you give for your rent or security deposit
If you end up paying more than you agreed on, having these receipts will help your landlord understand that he is incorrect.
9. Not getting apartment insurance
If you're renting an apartment and your landlord does not have coverage for the entire building or unit and its contents... you may want to consider getting insured yourself.
This is especially important if you have expensive items like laptops, cameras, or other electronics.
There are many types of insurance available.
A typical policy includes coverage for theft or damage from a fire or natural disaster.
As with all types of insurance, there are many options and factors that can influence how much they cost.
The cheapest policies generally cover only fire and natural disasters, while more comprehensive policies cover theft and injuries.
10. Not following house rules
Many people ignore the house rules. This is one of the biggest mistakes since it can end up in eviction.
For example, if you're not allowed to have pets, and yet you have one... or if guests are not allowed after 11 pm, and you don't follow this rule, the landlord may evict you.
Avoid making too much noise. This is another mistake that can be a massive issue.
Don't do it if your rental doesn't allow gatherings or parties with loud music. You will end up in a conflict with your landlord, making things difficult for both of you.
In conclusion.
You should do your research and make sure you know what you are going for, especially when it comes to Erasmus apartments.
The proper planning will lead you to have a great experience in your Erasmus apartment.
Good luck and have a wonderful time in Athens…
Want to make sure you get the right place without memorizing all the above?
Get in touch with our team.
roomsAthens team has been expertly providing Erasmus students and professionals with affordable furnished rental properties for almost a decade now.
We're always happy to help!
