
5 Common Mistakes When Renting a Room in Tbilisi — And How to Avoid Them
✅ Introduction
Renting a room in Tbilisi can be an exciting step — whether you’re a student, digital nomad, or young professional. But if you’re not careful, you might fall into the same traps many newcomers face.
At Roommate.ge, we’ve seen these common mistakes and want to help you avoid them. Here’s what to look out for — and how to rent smarter.
1. Not Visiting the Place Before Agreeing
🚫 The Mistake: Booking a room based only on photos — without knowing what the place really looks like.
✅ The Fix: Always schedule a visit — even a virtual one. If that’s not possible, ask for a live video tour. Don’t rely on unclear descriptions or overly filtered photos.
2. Ignoring the Neighborhood Vibe
🚫 The Mistake: Choosing a cheap room in a neighborhood you’ve never heard of — and ending up somewhere too far or unsafe.
✅ The Fix: Research before renting. Know your needs: quiet or active? Close to uni or work? Reliable public transport? Neighborhoods like Saburtalo, Vake, or Avlabari offer different benefits — choose what matches your lifestyle. REMEMBER - TBILISI IS SMALL CITY SO YOU CAN CHECK YOUR FUTURE NEIGHBORHOOD BY WALK ;)
3. Not Setting Clear Rules with Your Roommate
🚫 The Mistake: You move in... and only then realize your roommate parties every night, never cleans, or uses your stuff.
✅ The Fix: Talk about habits before moving in. Discuss guests, noise, cleaning, and shared items. It may feel awkward — but it can prevent bigger issues later. Use a simple roommate agreement if needed You can even have it notarized it.
4. Paying Without a Rental Agreement
🚫 The Mistake: Paying cash or transferring money to someone you barely spoke to — without paperwork or clarity.
✅ The Fix: Avoid this risk. Ask for a written agreement — even a basic one. Make sure it covers rent, deposit, bills, and move-out terms. If something feels off, it probably is.
5. Underestimating Utility Costs and Hidden Fees
🚫 The Mistake: The rent sounds low… until you learn Wi-Fi, gas, and cleaning fees are all extra.
✅ The Fix: Always ask what’s included — and what’s not. Utilities can add 100–200 GEL monthly, depending on usage. In shared apartments, agree on how bills are split before moving in. If you’re unsure about listings, roommates, or just want an extra layer of safety, Roommate.ge also offers support from our local team. Our agents can help guide you through your renting process — from neighborhood advice to contract review or even virtual visits.
📩 You can reach out anytime via roommate.ge/contact