The tenant's guide to renting in Syria: contract, advance rent, and what to check before moving in
Rent in Syria is often paid months in advance, so a mistake is expensive. Here is what to ask, what to write in the contract, and what to photograph on move-in day.
Check that the landlord may let the property
Ask for the landlord's ID and proof that they own the property or hold a power of attorney from the owner. A tenant who sublets without the owner's permission can leave you facing eviction. On Balkoun, phone numbers are verified and the deed status is shown on the listing.
What the contract must say
The term and start date, the rent, its currency and payment date, the number of months paid in advance and the deposit with its refund conditions, who pays electricity, water, generator and building charges, whether the flat is furnished and the inventory, and the early-termination rule for both sides. Register the contract according to the procedure in your governorate; a registered contract protects both parties.
Move-in day
Photograph every room and every existing defect, record the electricity and water meter readings, and test the hot water, drains, locks and windows. Send the photos to the landlord the same day so they are dated. This is what protects your deposit later.
Questions to ask before you agree
How many hours of electricity a day, is there a generator and what does the subscription cost? What is the water schedule and is there a tank? Does the lift work? What are the monthly building charges and what do they cover? Are pets allowed, and can internet be installed? The answers belong in the contract, not in conversation.
Frequently asked questions
How many months are usually paid in advance?
It varies by area and landlord; many contracts ask for several months up front plus a deposit. Rental listings on Balkoun state the advance months and deposit when the owner sets them.
Can the landlord raise the rent during the contract?
Not unless the contract explicitly allows it. That is why the term and the rent should be written clearly, and the contract registered.
These guides are general information based on common practice, not legal advice. Procedures and fees change and differ between governorates, so consult a lawyer before any payment.