Renting in Yerevan: Lease, Deposit and Tenant Rights

By WSE.AM editorial team, edited by Mark Muzyka · Updated 12 October 2026

How to rent an apartment in Yerevan properly: what the lease must include, why the deposit matters, and the rights and duties of tenants and landlords.

Renting in Yerevan: Lease, Deposit and Tenant Rights

How do you rent an apartment in Yerevan properly, and what should the lease include?

The short answer: you can rent an apartment on a verbal agreement, but a written lease protects both sides from rent increases, sudden eviction and disputes over damage. The lease should state the passport details of both parties, the exact address of the apartment, the lease term, the rent with its currency and payment date, the deposit amount and the conditions for returning it, who pays the utilities, how many days' notice is needed to end the lease, and an inventory of furniture and appliances with their condition. The deposit is usually equal to one month's rent and covers possible damage or unpaid amounts; if you move out with no claims against you, it is returned. To avoid arguments later, take photos of the apartment when you move in, make an inventory and write down the meter readings. Check that the person renting the apartment to you is the actual owner, and keep proof of every payment. A tenant has the right to demand repairs of serious defects that were not caused by the tenant.

Why the lease matters

You can rent an apartment in Yerevan on a handshake, but a written lease protects both sides: it fixes the price, the term, the conditions and who is responsible for what. Without a lease the tenant is exposed to a sudden rent increase or eviction, and the owner is exposed to a bad tenant.

What a rental agreement should include

The parties: passport details of the tenant and the owner.
The property: the exact address and a description of the apartment.
The lease term: the start and end dates.
Rent and currency: the amount, the payment date and the payment method.
Deposit: the amount and the conditions for returning it.
Who pays the utilities: heating, water, electricity, internet.
Termination terms: how many days' notice is required.
Inventory and condition: furniture, appliances and their condition.

The deposit: why and how much

The deposit (security deposit) is usually one month's rent. It covers possible damage to the property or unpaid amounts. If you move out with no claims against you, the deposit is returned. To avoid disputes, record the condition of the apartment when you move in, with photos and an inventory.

Tenant rights and duties

Rights: - to use the apartment as set out in the lease; - to demand repairs of serious defects not caused by the tenant; - to get the deposit back if there is no damage.

Duties: - to pay the rent on time; - to take care of the property; - not to break the lease terms (for example, on pets or subletting); - to give notice of moving out within the agreed period.

Owner rights and duties

to receive the rent on time;
to keep the apartment in a livable condition;
not to raise the rent or evict the tenant outside the terms of the lease;
to give advance notice of visits.

Tax on rental income

Income from renting out an apartment is taxable. The rate depends on the owner's status (resident or non-resident) and how the income is registered. This is the landlord's responsibility, but it sometimes affects the terms offered to the tenant.

Tips for tenants

1. Check that the person renting the apartment out is the actual owner. 2. Insist on a written lease and an inventory. 3. Write down the meter readings when you move in. 4. Keep proof of your payments.

Bottom line

A properly drafted lease and a deposit backed by an inventory are the basis of a trouble-free rental. WSE.AM helps tenants and owners put their arrangement on a proper footing.

---

Apartments in Yerevan | Rentals | New builds: find a property with WSE.AM.

Frequently asked questions

How big is the deposit when renting an apartment in Yerevan? The deposit is usually equal to one month's rent. It covers possible damage to the property or unpaid amounts, and if you move out with no claims against you, it is returned to the tenant in full.

Can I rent an apartment in Yerevan without a written lease? You can, but it is risky for both sides. Without a lease the tenant is exposed to a sudden rent increase or eviction, and the owner to a bad tenant, so it is better to sign a lease with an inventory of the property.

What should I do when moving into a rental so there is no dispute over the deposit? Take photos of the apartment, make an inventory of the furniture and appliances with their condition, and write down the meter readings. It is also worth checking that the actual owner is renting it out and keeping proof of every payment.

Can the owner raise the rent in Yerevan at any time? No, not if the terms are fixed in the lease: the owner should not raise the rent or evict the tenant outside the terms of the lease. The owner must also keep the apartment in a livable condition and give advance notice of visits.