Moving to Croatia, not sure best way to rent apt

[Cam W]

Hi all, my wife and I are moving to the Dubrovnik/Cavtat area in May, we're in our planning stage now, and have been having a hard time fing resouces on how best to let/rent an apartment or flat long term. From what we can tell, long term to most is a 2-4 week vacation home. We are looking for somthing nice, but we want it for about a year. How do we go about finding this type of property, and NOT holiday property? Can anyone help point us in the right direction.

Thanks so much
Cam

[ryno17]

Hi Cam,
I'm an expat in Dubrovnik living in an apartment on a long-term lease. Maybe I can tell you how I did it. I sent you an email to your Comcast address so check that.

Thanks,
Ryan

[AlisonKeefe]

The best way is to find a Croatian friend who can buy you a copy of Mali Oglastni (don't quote me on the spelling!). This is a weekly magasine/newspaper of classified ads, a bit like LOOT newspaper in London. It will include apartments to rent. You and your friend can then phone the landlords and go view those you like the sound of.

[Ribaric]

I did exactly what Alison suggests, language can be a problem and you you must get a clear agreement on who/how local taxes, bills etc will be paid. It is not uncommon for landlords to insist that they pay these things and then get the money from you. It's not usually a scam but people don't trust tenants to keep all then payments up to date. That apart, it's easy and a good way to settle in and feel your way around. Don't shy away from apartment blocks, they are cheap and convenient. Normal people live in them here, it's not the same as in the UK - if you get my drift.