Most expats tend to reside near Beirut, with villas in the mountains or inner city apartments among the most popular choices. Beirut and the Northern Christian Mountains do tend to be more expensive than other cities which have fewer expats such as Tripoli, Saida and Tyre.

Most Lebanese stay in the family home until they are married, so if you are looking for shared accommodation, it will most likely be with other expats. This has created a rental market mostly catering to families and has had a knock-on effect in the rising cost of one-bedroom and studio apartments. A small one-bedroom apartment in less prestigious part of Beirut will cost around $350-450 a month, while a 2-3 bedroom apartment in an old building without concierge or parking should cost around $800 a month. If you are planning a short stay, there are flats you can share with other expats, furnished hotel apartments and even women-only dormitories. For more on areas to consider click here.

Documents required for renting property in Lebanon 

• Identification Certification (National ID Card or Passport in case the contract is in the name of an individual) or:
• Company Registration (in case the contract is in the name of a legal entity) 
• Rental Contract 

Costs not included in the rent

These costs should be specified in the rental agreement: 

• City taxes (around 5.5%): to be paid by the tenant. 
• Property taxes (around 6.5%): to be paid by the owner.
• ‘Build on’ property taxes: (around 0.5% of the property’s value): to be paid by the owner.
• Stamp duty cost (0.3%.) Paid annually or every 3 years.
• Water: the parties agree between themselves. An annual subscription of nearly US$65 must be paid to the Office des Eaux (Water Utilities). In summer, certain regions have water shortages so water must be bought, (around US$70 per month).
• Annual maintenance: the caretaker, common areas lighting and elevator (be sure this cost includes the generator for common areas). To be paid according to details in the lease.
• Maintenance of heating and cooling system: to be negotiated with the owner.
• Security deposit: 2 to 3 months’ rent.
• Insurance: to be paid by the tenant
• According to the new rental law, the rental contract binds the Landlord for 3 years. During that period, the Landlord cannot legally increase the rent nor evict the tenant (provided the tenant respects all the contract clauses). 
• The Tenant can vacate the unit prior to the end of the legal 3-year period, after a minimum of one year, provided the Landlord is duly notified as per contract terms. 

Utilities

Contact these suppliers 

• Electricity: The tenant must pay bills according the monthly meter reading. In Beirut, electrical outages can vary between three and several hours a day. EDL (Electricité of Libanon)
• Generator: a subscribe to compensate for electricity outages: around US$60 for 5 amps. The owners sometimes require that the meter be in the tenant’s name. If this is the case, US$200 must be budgeted to make the change.
• Water: Contact the Establishment of The Water of Beirut and Mount Lebanon
• Phone & Internet: Contact Alfa

Article sources:

Expat Quotes

Apart4Expat

Ramco

See also:

Where to buy and rent in Lebanon

Dual villas in Lebanon designed by Bernard Khoury Architects

Taxation - A guide to taxes in Lebanon