Job Discussion Forums

[GMark]

Is it hard for a foreigner to find and rent an apartment in Moscow? What sort of places are available for someone on a FT's salary? Key money? Utilities? Cost per month? Thanks in advance.

[smithrn1983]

Unless you want to share, plan on $1000US/month, and three months' rent up front (1st month+deposit+agent's fee). Utilities are usually paid for by the landlord, except internet, cable TV, etc. You won't live in the center, of course, but you won't be too far out either. If you don't speak any Russian, that will make it harder.

[Americanartistist]

it is possible to find an apartment for $500 per month, but not easy. Usually, you need to know somebody who has inherited an extra apartment and looking to make a little extra money by renting. Rent in Moscow today starts at $1000 plus, the more extras the apartment has, the higher the rent. By extra's I mean washing machine, TV, air conditioning, good secure windows and door. This is a case of knowing somebody who has an extra apartment they inherited like a co-teacher could possibly save you some serious money, if not, then be prepared to pay some serious money renting a place. You sometimes can find good deals on the Moscow Expat.ru site.
JD

[GMark]

Thanks for the replies. I don't fancy sharing long term (even short term, really). Food for thought, anyway.

[maruss]

Demand far outstrips supply(just like in London for example)only the very rich can afford to buy and so the rental market is booming due to more and more people moving into Moscow.Consequently,prices are often exhorbitant and quality seems to bear no relation to them in many cases!What makes it worse in Russia is that with so much corruption in many fields of life,the market is unregulated and scams of all kinds are common...being a foreigner means that you will inevitably pay more than a local,unless you have a Russian friend to negotiate for you with landlords etc.Agencies which deal with foreigners inevitably offer only properties in more central areas at high prices and of course require deposits and commission etc.I would almost say that it is much easier to find a teaching job in Moscow than to find affordable private accomodation of a standard and this I discovered from personal experience when I was there a few years ago.A basic Soviet-era studio in a not very nice suburb now costs around 30.000 roubles-about$1000-if you can find one-per month and equipment and quality vary tremendously,even at the bottom end of the market.You should also bear in mind how near it is to transport links and what other facilities such as shops etc. are nearby.As a general rule,try to avoid the south and south east suburbs,notorious for being drab,polluted, and generally not desirable places to live,while locals in the know go for the north-west and western areas where air quality is better and there is supposedly more greenery.As for the centre,the area within the circle metro line,try to consider whether you could afford to live in central London for some idea of comparison?

[smithrn1983]

[maruss]

Of course the problem is finding one of those appartments you have just mentioned......unless you have Russian friends who will either scan the ads. for you in specialised newspapers and call the landlords or might just know someone who has a place to rent if you are very lucky,you will be forced to use agents who want commission and deposits and invariably charge high prices,especially if they deal mostly with foreigners who are on company expense accounts and can afford to pay high prices.The other risk of renting direct privately is that landlords can and do break contracts when they suddenly decide they 'need the place for themself'-an excuse to get you out because they've found another tenant who will pay more!Also be careful to clarify what bills are included for services such as electricity,gas,water and internet etc. as these have increased a lot in recent years and that appliances are in working condition!Equally important is when the landlord has right of access and who has copies of the keys......if you don't know the language such things can cause a lot of misunderstandings!

[GMark]

What about a temporary place to live?
I'm thinking of flying in to Moscow and looking for a job. Frankly, I'm finding it hard to find something from outside the country. Are there any hotels that are cheap enough for this to be viable?

[Americanartistist]

some which are suppose to be pretty good, but temporary rent is expensive because mostly only tourists or business people with unlimited expenses do this. That is not to say that you can not find something, you may be able to if you are lucky. However, several hostels here do offer private rooms at about half what the lower rate hotels go for. Just always never bring anything of value that you have to leave in your room when you go out, unless you place it in the hostel safe. I know of several Americans who came to Moscow for two weeks who stayed in hostel private rooms and they all loved it. So that may be an option to check into.

Bad side of hostels, only a couple are considered good and that have private rooms. Most are dorm like or semi private rooms full of people who will steal even your cloths when you go out, so you have to be careful about choosing a hostel, however, there are a couple that have good security and private rooms on side streets of Tverskaya and Old Arbat that get good reviews.
JD

[GMark]

[smithrn1983]

[Sashadroogie]

My thoughts exactly. There are so many unknown factors just with visas that I truly feel a stint with a McSchool is unavoidable. Unless you are incredibly lucky, or have well-informed contacts on the ground, coming over on spec will probably lead to expensive border runs and lots of cash being eaten up...

[GMark]

Thanks for the advice. I'll only fly in on spec as a last resort.

[maruss]

Especially if you are coming from outside Europe, taking a chance on finding work in Russia could be a very costly mistake if things don't work out!Everything there seems designed to be complicated and cause delay and hassle and Russians seem to have thrived on bureaucracy since ancient times-it keeps millions of people in work too and quite a few have very lucrative and cushy numbers,often with 'black' earnings from the notorious corruption which is prevalent there!
But if you are determined and ready to take risks,AND you have enough cash to back you up it is still possible to make it there,but not guaranteed!
As I wrote before,having somewhere acceptable and affordable to live available is an essential element towards success and this is equally as important as finding the right job,especially in Moscow.
Never take anything for granted or presume it will be o.k. if you are not sure about any conditions of a job offer and ask those important questions BEFORE you go!