Where to live in Tbilisi

Renting is fast and informal: most newcomers find a furnished flat within days via Facebook groups, MyHome.ge or a local agent, sign a simple contract and pay a month's deposit plus the first month — usually in US dollars, cash. There's no guarantor or credit check. The catches are seasonal and structural: rents spiked after the 2022 war influx (now easing but still elevated), landlords strongly favour USD cash, and winter heating is a genuine variable — always check how a flat is heated before you commit. Get a written contract even if the landlord shrugs: you'll want it for a residence permit, a bank account, or any dispute.

1. 1

   Search Facebook groups, MyHome.ge and agents

   The fastest route is the big expat Facebook groups (e.g. 'Tbilisi — Flat/Apartment Rent', 'Tbilisi Expats Housing'), where landlords and nomads post directly. The main local portals are MyHome.ge and SS.ge (use Google Translate). Local agents (often via the same groups) charge roughly half a month to a full month's commission but can unlock unlisted flats and handle the Georgian-speaking landlords.

2. 2

   View in person and check heating, hot water and insulation

   Tbilisi winters dip near 0°C, and many beautiful old-town flats are poorly insulated with only gas space-heaters — expensive and uneven to run. Confirm the heating type (central gas, split AC units, or space heaters), test the hot water and water pressure, and check the windows. In summer, confirm air-conditioning. Also check the building: old-town charm often means no lift and steep stairs.

3. 3

   Agree the price (usually in USD) and the contract

   Most rents are quoted in US dollars and many landlords expect payment in dollar cash, though GEL and bank transfer are increasingly accepted — agree the currency and method upfront. Negotiate: post-2022 prices have softened and longer leases get discounts. Insist on a written contract listing rent, deposit, currency, duration and what's included (utilities, internet, building fees). It's also useful documentation for your IE registration or bank account.

4. 4

   Pay the deposit and move in

   Typical upfront is one month's deposit plus the first month's rent (plus the agent's commission if you used one). Deposits are usually returned at the end minus any damage, but get the condition noted in the contract. Utilities (electricity, gas, water) are usually billed on top and are cheap; confirm whether internet is included — many furnished flats already have Magti or Silknet fibre.