06.08.2026

First Rental Home: How to Avoid Mistakes Others Have Made?

Once again, the time has come when thousands of young people across Estonia have achieved student status and must begin their independent lives away from their hometown. For many, this means their first rental home. What is good to know to avoid mistakes that others have already learned from firsthand?

Although independence comes with plenty of charms, it is not without its pains. When choosing your first rental apartment, many mistakes can be prevented – you just need to be careful.

Be realistic

Your first rental apartment can create a lot of excitement, and surfing through real estate portals can make you dream of a lifestyle you're not actually ready for yet. Think through whether you have the financial means to rent your chosen home. Always consider the situation if your income were to suddenly decrease or if someone who financially supports you were to face difficulties. Your first rental apartment doesn't have to be a place where you'll spend the next 5–10 years. Therefore, it's completely normal if it doesn't meet all your dreams and expectations.

Pay attention to details

While it's often possible to compromise on things like wall color or furnishings, there are certain matters where you shouldn't make concessions. Anneli Lindemann, a professional broker at Uus Maa real estate agency, recommends checking that smoke and, if necessary, carbon monoxide detectors are present, and verifying that gas equipment maintenance has been carried out. Also pay attention to the apartment's utility costs during the winter months, as well as to the apartment's general condition. If the home is already dirty or moldy when you view it, this may indicate larger problems. Take a look at the condition of the bed and mattress. Don't be afraid to ask about the apartment's shortcomings and special features that you should definitely be aware of.

Think about the location

Lindemann recommends thinking through what your main movement pattern will be before moving. Although apartments further from the city center may be cheaper, you should also check transportation costs before deciding, and then assess whether the choice still makes financial and time sense.

Company is more confusing (and cheaper!)

If possible, rent an apartment together with a trustworthy friend, as costs are often lower for both parties. Before jointly renting an apartment, be sure to discuss expectations and budgets together to prevent misunderstandings and conflicts. The landlord must also be aware of how many people will be living in the apartment.

Directly from the owner or with a broker's help?

Renting an apartment often comes with additional costs, such as broker fees, security deposits, home insurance, and telecommunications services. To keep costs as low as possible, you can rent the apartment directly from the owner if possible – this way you can save hundreds of euros in broker fees. On the other hand, a broker understands the law, can advise a young person choosing their first rental apartment, and can draw attention to things you might not immediately think of yourself. Thus, a broker can provide peace of mind and help avoid misunderstandings. Think through for yourself whether savings are more important or the added value provided by a broker.

If you don't need to leave your hometown, it's also worth considering continuing to live with your parents. Although independent living may seem tempting, this period could allow you to save money and give you a strong start for the future, if you plan to buy your own home or a car. Therefore, it's worth carefully considering all options and making a financially smart decision.

What should you keep in mind when signing a rental agreement?

Familiarize yourself with the rented spaces and their inventory in the contract

If a broker is mediating the rental apartment, it is the broker's responsibility to take photos of the condition of the rooms on the handover day and send them to both parties. However, if the tenant rents directly from the owner, Lindemann recommends that the tenant take photos or video of the apartment's condition during the handover-takeover. This way you avoid situations where the owner might later demand compensation for damage you didn't cause.

Also check whether the apartment includes a parking space and storage area, and make sure their presence is noted in the contract.

If you're allowed to keep a pet in the apartment, this should also be put in writing.

Always sign the rental agreement in writing and make sure all important terms are agreed upon

A written rental agreement is a document that must include everything important, such as the address, parties, rental amount, conditions for terminating the rental agreement, ancillary costs (the list is not final). In addition to the rent, familiarize yourself with possible ancillary costs and agree in writing which costs the tenant bears and which remain with the landlord. It is important to know who pays for the repair fund and/or building maintenance and repair costs. If possible, avoid overly vague agreements.

Check on what date the apartment handover-takeover takes place and when the prepaid rent begins to run.

Fixed-term or indefinite agreement?

Lindemann recommends thinking through whether you want to sign an indefinite or fixed-term rental agreement. They have different consequences, especially regarding the conditions for terminating the contract. Do you want to commit yourself to a specific period or keep the situation more flexible so you can end the contract more easily and with a shorter notice period?

Read the special conditions carefully and clarify what happens if the agreement is breached

Pay attention to whether the contract stipulates penalties and to what extent they apply. These can be provided for as contractual penalties or as interest.

You should also review all additional special conditions that the landlord has added to the contract. Common examples are restrictions on drilling holes in walls (for hanging pictures or shelves), the obligation to use protective padding under furniture legs (especially chairs) to protect the floor, or responsibility for checking the condition of the smoke detector in the apartment.

Additionally, the contract may contain other requirements concerning the use and maintenance of the apartment, so it is important to carefully read all conditions before signing.