Apartments For Rent in Malta

Q: What's the difference between furnished and unfurnished apartments in Malta?

Furnished apartments come ready to move into with furniture and appliances included, popular with expatriates and short-term tenants. Unfurnished apartments suit long-term tenants who prefer their own furniture.

Q: What should I expect from the rental process in Malta?

Signing a lease agreement, paying a security deposit, and in some cases providing references, with your agent typically negotiating terms with the landlord.

Q: Is it risky to rent directly from a landlord without an agent?

It can be. Unregistered rentals may leave your deposit unprotected and give you less recourse for repairs or emergencies, unlike a registered agent-arranged tenancy.

Q: Can rental terms be negotiated with the landlord?

Yes. An experienced rental agent typically negotiates price, lease length and other terms with the landlord on the tenant's behalf.

Q: Can I rent an apartment with pets in Malta?

It depends on the landlord and property, as pet policies vary and aren't guaranteed by default.

Malta's rental market moves fast, especially for quality apartments in Sliema, St Julian's and other in-demand areas — driven by a growing international workforce, limited new supply, and strong tourism and investment demand. A registered rental agent can save you the frustration of missing out, and protect you legally along the way. Here's what to know before you start looking, or see our full 2026 guide to renting property in Malta for more detail.

Why apartments are in such demand

See our 2026 rental market trends report for the full picture — in short, demand is being driven by:

Foreign workers and students arriving for employment and study opportunities
Limited new supply — construction hasn't kept pace with population growth
Tourism demand, including short-term summer accommodation, which competes with long-term availability
Lifestyle appeal — climate, location and culture draw people to relocate
Investment demand from landlords buying to let, further limiting stock

Best areas for renting an apartment

A quick overview below — see our full guide to the best areas to rent in Malta for a deeper comparison.

Valletta & the Three Cities

Historic architecture and cultural ambience, for tenants who want character over convenience.

Sliema & St Julian's

Cosmopolitan, seafront, and close to entertainment and dining — Malta's most in-demand rental areas.

Gozo

A quieter pace, with apartments overlooking countryside or the Mediterranean.

Special Designated Areas

Malta and Gozo's most luxurious developments, for tenants after a premium address.

Furnished or unfurnished?

Furnished apartments are increasingly in demand, especially among expatriates and short-term tenants who want to move in without buying furniture and appliances. Many older apartments have also been modernised to meet that standard, so "furnished" no longer means compromising on quality.

Furnished living room, apartment for rent in Malta

Modern kitchen, apartment for rent in Malta

Furnished bedroom, apartment for rent in Malta

Why rent through a registered agent

Renting directly from a landlord's online ad can come with real risk: the property may not be registered with the Malta Housing Authority, your deposit isn't protected, and repairs or emergencies may take longer to resolve. A registered agent draws up a proper legal agreement and represents your interests as a tenant from search through to move-in.

Let us take the stress out of apartment hunting

Tell one of our rental specialists what you're looking for — location, budget, furnished or not — and we'll narrow it down and arrange viewings. We've been helping people rent in Malta since 1969.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a registered rental agreement in Malta?

Yes. Every rental property should be registered with the Malta Housing Authority, and the tenancy should be backed by a formal, legal lease agreement. This protects your deposit and your rights as a tenant — always ask your agent to confirm the property's registration before signing.

What's the difference between furnished and unfurnished apartments in Malta?

Furnished apartments come with the necessary furniture and appliances ready to move in, and are especially popular with expatriates and short-term tenants. Unfurnished apartments are typically chosen by long-term tenants who prefer to bring or buy their own furniture. Availability of both varies by area and price point.

What should I expect from the rental process in Malta?

Generally: signing a lease agreement, paying a security deposit, and in some cases providing references. Your agent will typically negotiate terms with the landlord on your behalf to reach an agreement that works for both sides.

Is it risky to rent directly from a landlord without an agent?

It can be. Unregistered rentals arranged directly with a landlord may leave your deposit unprotected and give you less recourse if repairs or emergencies aren't handled promptly. A registered agent draws up a proper legal agreement and represents your interests throughout the tenancy.

Which areas are best for renting an apartment in Malta?

It depends on what you want: Valletta and the Three Cities for historic character, Sliema and St Julian's for a cosmopolitan, seafront lifestyle, Gozo for a quieter pace, and Special Designated Areas for the most luxurious developments on the islands.

Can rental terms be negotiated with the landlord?

Yes. An experienced rental agent will typically negotiate price, lease length, and other terms with the landlord or property manager on your behalf, aiming for terms that work for both parties.

Can I rent an apartment with pets in Malta?

It depends on the landlord and the specific property — pet policies vary widely and aren't guaranteed by default. See our guide to renting with pets in Malta for the rules, tenant rights, and tips on finding a pet-friendly home.