Smart Cat Apartments • Riga
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Student Help Center

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything international students need to know about renting a flat, utilities in winter, and living in Riga.

Can I declare my official residence (Deklarācija) for my visa or TRP?

Yes! All Smart Cat Apartments come with a legally binding Latvian lease agreement. We provide the full property cadastral number and owner authorization required for international students to declare residence at the PMLP office or Latvija.lv.

How do heating bills and winter utilities work in Riga?

In Latvia, heating is active from October through April. Summer utilities (water, electricity, garbage, Wi-Fi) average ~€60–€80/month, while winter utilities average ~€120–€150/month depending on central heating tariffs. We display average seasonal estimates on every property listing.

What is the security deposit and when is it returned?

Standard security deposits equal 1 month's rent. Deposits are held securely and refunded directly to your bank account within 14 days of lease termination and room handover.

Do you offer flexible 5-month leases for Erasmus students?

Yes! We understand that exchange programs typically last for one semester (Autumn: Sept–Jan; Spring: Feb–June). We offer 5-month lease options specifically tailored for Erasmus students without penalty.