Renting a flat: how much you can afford and what to consider
For renters, housing is the biggest expense. How to choose affordable rent, what to check before moving in and which costs people forget. · 5 min read
How much to pay for housing
A common guideline is no more than 30–35% of income on rent including utilities. Pay more and too little is left for food, transport and savings, and any surprise turns into debt.
Count utilities as well as rent: in winter, heating can add noticeably to the monthly total.
Moving-in costs
Moving into a new flat is a separate expense worth saving for in advance.
- The first month's rent plus a deposit — often another month's amount.
- An agency fee, if you search through one.
- The move itself, small furniture and household items.
- Internet installation.
What to check before signing
- A written contract: the amount, the term, deposit return conditions, who pays for repairs.
- Meter readings on the day you move in — take photos.
- The condition of the flat and appliances — photos prevent disputes over the deposit when you leave.
- What the utility bills were in winter — ask the landlord for receipts.
Rent in your tracker
Record rent as a recurring payment with a date — the app will remind you in advance. You can attach a photo of the contract and receipts to a transaction so everything is at hand.