Renting an apartment in Almaty: a guide for expats

1. Budget for the move, not just the rent

Set two limits: what you can comfortably spend each month, and what you can pay when moving in. Ask for every charge to be listed separately.

Atmosphere’s rental search and transaction support fee is 50% of one month’s rent, confirmed before work begins. See our rental service.

Planning example: if the agreed rent is ₸600,000, the agreed deposit is ₸600,000 and the service fee is ₸300,000, these three items total ₸1,500,000. This is an illustration, not a market average or an available apartment. Add any utilities, other agreed charges and temporary accommodation separately.

2. Choose an address around your daily routine

Start with work, school and other regular destinations. Compare the route from each building at the times you expect to travel. A district name alone cannot tell you whether a home works for your routine.

• Walking and public transport: which everyday destinations can you reach comfortably? Check the entrance-to-station walk against the official Almaty Metro map.
• Driving: is a parking space included, and how do you enter the building from your usual route?
• Working from home: is there a separate work area, daylight, suitable internet and enough quiet for calls?
• Family or pets: is the lift practical, and where would you walk each day?

If you are comparing Bostandyk, Medeu or Almaly, send the addresses that interest you alongside your regular destinations. Assess the individual street and building before choosing a district label.

3. Use the viewing to check everyday comfort

At the viewing, check the things you will use every day:

• Open windows and listen for road, courtyard and neighbouring noise.
• Test taps, hot water, appliances and the air conditioner, where fitted.
• Ask how heating works and request recent utility bills.
• Check the mattress, storage, curtains and space for your belongings.
• Confirm the internet provider and connection; test it if remote work is essential.
• Inspect the entrance, lift, parking access and the route home after dark.

Clarify exactly what stays in a furnished apartment. If something needs repairing or replacing before move-in, agree who will do it and by when. Keep that agreement in writing.

4. Agree the terms before transferring money

Ask to verify the owner’s identity, ownership documents and the authority of anyone signing on the owner’s behalf. Match the property address across the documents and agreement. Make sure you understand the complete lease before signing, including any language version you are relying on.

Discuss the rental term, renewal, rent changes, notice periods, early departure, repairs and owner access. Put pet permission and any special arrangements in writing. Confirm who receives each payment and keep evidence of payment.

At handover, record the apartment’s condition, furniture, existing damage, meter readings and keys received. Keep photographs and a signed inventory for later deposit discussions.

5. Raise arrival paperwork early

Kazakhstan places arrival-notification duties on the receiving party, which can include a hotel or an individual host. Before moving in, ask who will handle any required notification and what confirmation you will receive. Official government guidance.

If your move involves residence paperwork, raise accommodation-document requirements before committing to a home. Confirm the current requirements for your citizenship, purpose and length of stay with the migration authorities or your adviser. Keep this separate from the apartment search so the necessary owner cooperation can be discussed in advance.

6. What Atmosphere helps you do

Our English-speaking rental service starts with your brief: budget, dates, preferred locations and priorities. We shortlist suitable options, arrange viewings, check ownership and key lease terms, and support the transaction and handover. The service fee is 50% of one month’s rent; we confirm it before work begins.

Frequently asked questions

Can I start the search before arriving in Almaty?

Yes. Send your arrival and move-in dates. Confirm availability for those dates before making travel or payment commitments.

Can you help if I do not speak Russian?

Yes. Atmosphere provides English-speaking support during the search, negotiations and paperwork, so you can ask questions and understand the next step.

Can I rent with a cat or dog?

Include your pet in the first brief, with its type, size and number of animals. We use this when shortlisting. The particular owner’s permission and any conditions must be agreed before signing.

Is the deposit part of the agency fee?

No. Treat the owner’s deposit and the agency service fee as separate budget items. Confirm the deposit’s return conditions in the lease and the service fee in your agreement with us.