Finding accommodation to rent in Albania, whether you're looking for an apartment in Tirana, a cozy home in the countryside, or a beach house in Durrës can be a much more pleasant journey if you’re familiar with common local real estate terms.
That’s why we’ve put together a quick guide, which provides you with essential real estate tips and terminology to help make your rental experience in Albania stress-free and smooth.
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Types of housing
Apartament
- Apartament: The general term that’s used to refer to an apartment in Albania, which is commonly found in cities such as Tirana or Vlora.
- Apartamente (plural form of "apartment" in Albanian) come in different sizes, from studios to larger multi-bedroom units.
Shtëpi
A house, often found in rural or suburban areas.
There are different types of shtëpi:
- Shtëpi individuale: A detached house, typically occupied by a single family.
- Vila: A more spacious or luxurious house, often with additional features such as a pool or garden, common in coastal or upscale areas.
Studio
A small apartment where the bedroom, living area, and kitchen are combined in a single room, with a separate bathroom.
Garsonierë
A studio apartment, usually simpler and smaller than a standard studio. It’s suitable for short-term stays or single individuals.
Kat
The word for "floor." You might see listings for rentals on the kat i parë (ground floor), kat i dytë (second floor), and so on.
Shtëpi me Qira
A house for rent, usually in rural or suburban locations.
Number of rooms
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Dhoma
A room
Like many countries in Europe, Albania uses the term "room" to refer to any living space (excluding the bathroom and kitchen).
- 1-dhomë: One-room apartment.
- 2-dhoma: Two-room apartment (usually one living room and one bedroom).
Dhomë Gjumi
A bedroom
The number of bedrooms is typically specified in the listing.
- 1 Dhomë Gjumi: One-bedroom apartment.
- 2 Dhoma Gjumi: Two-bedroom apartment.
Sallon
Living room
Also known as dhome ndenje.
Kuzhinë
Kitchen
Some variations you might come across include:
- Kuzhinë e hapur: Open kitchen, usually part of an open-plan living space.
- Kuzhinë e pajisur: A fully equipped kitchen that has appliances included.
Banjo
Bathroom
In apartment listings, you'll usually see:
- Banjo e plotë: A full bathroom with a bathtub or shower, toilet, and sink.
- Banjo e vogël: A smaller bathroom, usually a half-bath.
Important real estate terms
E mobiluar vs. Pa mobiluar
- E mobiluar: Furnished - The property is equipped with all necessary furniture.
- Pa mobiluar: Unfurnished - You will have to provide your own furniture.
Ballkon
Balcony
Many accommodations in Albania, particularly in coastal areas, have a ballkon offering a nice view.
Depo
Storage space
This may be a closet or small room used to store household items.
Asensor
Elevator
Not all buildings, particularly older ones, have an elevator, so this is an important feature to look for in taller buildings.
Ngrohje
Heating
It’s common to see various types of heating systems:
- Ngrohje qendrore: Central heating, usually provided by the building.
- Ngrohje individuale: Individual heating, which is directly controlled by the tenant.
Qira
Rent
This is used to refer to the monthly amount that’s paid to rent the property. Remember to confirm what is included in the Qira, like communal fees or utilities.
Shpenzime Komunale
Communal fees that are used to cover services such as maintenance and cleaning of shared areas in the building.
Kontratë Qiraje
The rental agreement or lease contract. This document specifies the terms of the rental, including rent, duration, and the responsibilities of both the landlord and the tenant.
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Parking and garage
Parkim
Parking space
This refers to an uncovered or outdoor spot where the tenant can park their vehicles.
Garazh
Garazh is generally more secure than open parking spaces and is typically located within the property or building.
Landlord vs. owner
Pronari
The owner of the property. The pronari, in many cases, is the person who is responsible for renting out the property.
Qiradhënësi
The landlord or the individual leasing the rental to the tenant. The qiradhënësi might or might not be the pronari. Property management agents or companies can also serve as the qiradhënësi.
Qiramarrësi
The tenant, or the person who rents the property.
Rental process terms
Kontratë Qiraje
The rental contract or lease agreement. It outlines key details like the qira, security deposit, duration of the lease, and any additional terms.
Depozitë
The deposit, typically the equivalent of one or two months' rent. It’s refundable at the end of the tenancy if no damages occur.
Afat i Qirasë
Rental duration or lease term. This could be short-term (afat i shkurtër) or long-term (e.g., afat i gjatë).
Inspektim
Property inspection before you move in or out. It’s important to conduct a proper inspektim to document any existing issues or damages.
Utilities and extras
Shpenzimet e Shërbimeve
Utilities, including electricity (elektriciteti), water (uji), and gas (gazi). Tenants are typically responsible for setting up and also paying for these.
Internet dhe Telefon
Internet and phone services, which the tenant generally arranges and also pays for separately.
Ngrohje dhe Ftohje
Heating and cooling systems. These might be included in the shpenzimet e shërbimeve or have to be paid separately.
Renting tips
- Research neighborhoods: Consider how close the rental is to public transportation, shops, cafes, coworking spaces, or your workplace. Central areas are obviously more expensive but they offer more amenities.
- Check what’s included: Always clarify if the rent (qira) includes communal fees and utilities. This can affect your total expenses every month.
- Understand the lease: Review the kontratë qiraje carefully. Pay attention to details such as the depozitë, lease term (afat i qirasë), and any rules for renewing or terminating the lease.
- Inspect the property: Conduct a complete inspektim of the property before you move in, documenting any existing issues or damages to avoid losing your depozitë.
- Know your rights: Familiarize yourself with your rights as a tenant in Albania. Tenants are protected by law from rent increases and unfair eviction.
