Quick outline (article structure)
- Why renting legally matters ✅
- Documents and checks to prepare 🗂️
- How to draft a solid tenancy agreement ✍️
- Taxes and declaring rental income 💼
- Screening tenants and protecting your property 🔍
- Managing the rental: self-management vs agent 🛠️
- Practical clauses and a handover checklist
Why rent legally?
Legal renting protects both you and your tenant. An official contract helps avoid disputes about deposits, damages, unpaid utilities and gives you documented proof of income. It also simplifies communication with utilities and government services and reduces long-term risks.
Documents and checks before renting 🗂️
- Proof of ownership: extract from the National Agency of Public Registry. Make sure there are no encumbrances.
- Technical documents: floor plan, building permissions if there was a renovation.
- Tenant identification: passport/ID; for longer leases, proof of income is useful.
- Inventory list with photos of furniture and appliances at handover.
Extra checks
- Check building rules and homeowners association policies — some complexes restrict short-term rentals.
- If you plan remote management, set up reliable local contacts for emergencies.
Drafting a safe tenancy agreement ✍️
Include these essential items:
- Full details of landlord and tenant, property address.
- Lease term and renewal conditions.
- Rent amount, due dates and recommended bank transfer payments.
- Security deposit amount and return conditions.
- Responsibility for utilities and maintenance.
- Terms for early termination and dispute resolution.
- Handover protocol: signed inventory and photos.
Notarization is optional in many cases but can increase legal security, especially for long-term leases.
Taxes and reporting — what to know 💼
Rental income should be declared to the tax authority of Georgia. Important points:
- Keep records of all bank transfers and related expenses.
- Consult an accountant to determine the correct reporting procedure depending on whether you are resident or non-resident and if you operate as an individual or a company.
- Consider VAT rules only if you run a rental business with multiple properties.
Avoid informal arrangements: declaring income makes your investment safer and more sustainable.
Tenant screening and property protection 🔍
- Ask for ID and references from previous landlords for long-term tenants.
- Conduct an interview about lifestyle, guests, pets and intended use of the apartment.
- For short-term rentals, use platforms with reviews and consider insurance for property damage.
Managing the rental: options and tips 🛠️
- Self-manage: cost-saving but time-consuming and requires local presence.
- Local representative or property manager: good for absentee owners.
- Real estate agency: full-service solution — tenant search, contract preparation, rent collection, maintenance. Agencies like BuyHome offer tailored services and local expertise. See our search if you want help: https://buyhome.ge/en/search
Practical handover checklist
- Create a detailed inventory and take timestamped photos.
- Agree on who pays for routine maintenance and how to report emergencies.
- Define access rules for viewings and repairs.
- Confirm whether subletting is allowed and under what conditions.
Final advice
Legal renting in Batumi combines correct documentation, a clear contract and proper management. This approach reduces risk, attracts reliable tenants and preserves the value of your property.
If you'd like help preparing your contract, checking documents or finding a trustworthy tenant, contact our team. BuyHome can manage the whole process and support you at every step: https://buyhome.ge/en. 📩