Renting in Malta 2026 — Costs, Laws, and Practical Tips

The Malta Rental Market

Malta's rental market has grown significantly over the past decade, driven by a large expat workforce in iGaming, financial services, and tech. Around 25% of Malta's population are foreign nationals, and the vast majority of them rent.

This means the market is competitive, especially in popular areas like Sliema, St Julian's, and Gzira. Properties in good locations get snapped up quickly — sometimes within days of listing. If you find something you like, be ready to move fast.

Typical Rental Prices (2026)

Prices vary widely depending on location, size, and quality. Here's a rough guide for furnished apartments:

Sliema / St Julian's (most expensive)

1-bedroom: €900 – €1,400/month
2-bedroom: €1,200 – €2,000/month
3-bedroom: €1,800 – €3,000/month

Gzira / Msida / Ta' Xbiex

1-bedroom: €700 – €1,000/month
2-bedroom: €900 – €1,400/month
3-bedroom: €1,200 – €2,000/month

Birkirkara / Mosta / Naxxar

1-bedroom: €550 – €800/month
2-bedroom: €750 – €1,100/month
3-bedroom: €1,000 – €1,500/month

Bugibba / Qawra / Marsaskala

1-bedroom: €500 – €750/month
2-bedroom: €650 – €950/month
3-bedroom: €850 – €1,300/month

These prices are for furnished apartments. Unfurnished properties are typically 15-25% cheaper but are less common in Malta, where most rentals come fully furnished.

How to Find a Rental

The most common ways to find a rental in Malta:

Property aggregators: Sites like Darna let you search across all major agencies at once
Agency websites: Direct from RE/MAX, Quicklets, Perry, Frank Salt, and others
Facebook groups: "Rent in Malta," "Malta Property & Rentals" — but be cautious of scams
Word of mouth: Ask colleagues, especially if you work in iGaming where accommodation tips circulate regularly

Avoid paying anything before viewing the property in person. Scams do exist, particularly on social media, where fraudsters post properties they don't own and collect deposits from multiple victims.

The Rental Process

1. Viewing and Application

Contact the agent, view the property, and express your interest. The agent will usually ask for proof of employment or income.

2. Lease Agreement

Once you agree terms, the agent draws up a lease agreement. Under the Private Residential Leases Act (2020), all residential leases must be registered with the Housing Authority.

3. Deposit and First Month

You'll typically pay:

1 month's rent as deposit (capped at 1 month by law)
First month's rent in advance
Agency fee: Usually half a month's rent plus VAT, paid by the tenant

4. Inventory Check

Go through the property with the agent and document the condition of everything — furniture, appliances, walls, fixtures. Take photos. This protects you when it's time to get your deposit back.

5. Utility Transfers

Contact ARMS Ltd to transfer the electricity and water accounts into your name. You'll receive bills every two months. Internet providers in Malta are GO, Melita, and Epic.

Your Rights as a Tenant

The Private Residential Leases Act (2020) significantly strengthened tenant protections in Malta:

Minimum lease term: 1 year. The landlord cannot evict you before the lease ends except for specific legal reasons
Deposit cap: Maximum of 1 month's rent. The landlord must return this within one month of the lease ending, minus any legitimate deductions for damage
Rent increases: During the lease term, rent can only increase according to the terms stated in the contract. Arbitrary increases are not permitted
Registration: The lease must be registered with the Housing Authority. If it isn't, it's the landlord's responsibility, but you should insist on registration
Repairs: The landlord is responsible for structural repairs and maintaining the property in habitable condition. Tenants are responsible for minor maintenance and keeping the property clean
Notice period: Either party must give at least 1 month's notice before the lease term ends, or as specified in the contract

What's Included in the Rent?

Most furnished rentals in Malta include:

All furniture (beds, sofas, dining table, wardrobes)
Kitchen appliances (oven, fridge, washing machine)
Air conditioning units (you pay the electricity to run them)
Basic kitchenware (sometimes)

Not typically included:

Electricity and water (ARMS bills — budget €80-150/month for a 2-bed)
Internet (€25-45/month depending on provider and speed)
Building common area fees (sometimes charged separately)

Tips for Renters

Visit at different times of day. A quiet street at 10am might be a noisy thoroughfare at midnight, especially near Paceville or in areas with active nightlife
Check the air conditioning. Malta gets very hot in summer (35°C+). Make sure the AC units work and are serviced. Older units are expensive to run
Ask about water pressure. Some older buildings have gravity-fed systems with poor pressure on upper floors
Clarify the parking situation. If the listing mentions a garage or parking spot, make sure it's included in the lease and that it's a proper allocated space
Document everything. When you move in, take timestamped photos of every room, every mark on the wall, every scuff on the floor. Disputes over deposits are common
Read the lease carefully. Pay attention to break clauses, renewal terms, and who pays for what repairs
Budget for summer electricity. AC costs can push electricity bills to €200+ per month in July and August

Common Problems and How to Handle Them

Problem: Landlord wants to increase rent mid-lease. Solution: If the increase isn't specified in the lease contract, they cannot legally do this during the lease term. Problem: Deposit not returned after moving out. Solution: The landlord must return it within 1 month. If they don't, you can file a complaint with the Housing Authority. Problem: Repairs not being done. Solution: Put your request in writing (email or registered letter). If the landlord doesn't respond, the Housing Authority can intervene for issues that affect habitability. Problem: Noisy neighbours or construction. Solution: Malta has construction hours (7am-7pm weekdays, 7am-1pm Saturdays, no Sundays). Report violations to the Building and Construction Authority.

Renting in Malta is generally straightforward, but knowing your rights and doing proper due diligence before signing makes a real difference in your experience.

Renting in Malta: Everything You Need to Know