Renting out an apartment is not just handing over the keys to tenants; it is a legally significant procedure. To avoid fines and conflicts, the owner must follow a prescribed set of steps.

1. Signing the contract

The basis for renting out a property is a lease agreement for a residential unit from the private housing fund. It is entered into in writing in three copies. According to the Housing Code, the document must contain:

• The subject of the agreement: the exact address and description of the residential unit (apartment, house, or room).
• The term of validity: the period for which the housing is provided.
• The amount of rent: the sum for using the premises and the schedule for payment.
• Utility payments: the procedure for paying for utilities and reimbursing electricity costs (if these are borne by the tenant).

A standard contract form approved by law is used for the paperwork. The handover of keys and the premises can be documented by a receipt of acceptance, although this is not a mandatory requirement.

2. Registration of the contract

The contract becomes effective only after it is registered. For this, the owner and the tenant must go to the local executive committee (village council, district administration) or to the organization that records and calculates utility charges (for example, the RSC or the housing and communal services office). The procedure takes no more than two working days and is free of charge. An important condition: if the apartment is in joint share ownership, the application must be signed by all owners. Renting out housing from the state housing fund (rental, social, etc.) is prohibited, as the subletting institution is excluded from the legislation of the Republic of Belarus.

3. Tax obligations

Earning income from renting out a property obliges the owner to pay personal income tax. The tax is paid monthly. Tax rates are fixed and depend on the locality where the property is located.

The amount of the payment is calculated for each rented residential room in accordance with Appendix No. 2 to the Tax Code.

Thus, to do everything in accordance with the law, it is important to observe several key points:

• Prepare a passport and documents proving ownership.
• Agree on the terms with the tenant and fill out three copies of the contract.
• Visit the RSC, the housing and communal services office, or the executive committee to register the document.
• Pay the fixed amount of personal income tax to the budget on time.

Adhering to these simple rules protects the interests of both parties and guarantees the legality of the transaction.