How to Rent Your Apartment and Earn Passive Income

Renting out property is one of the most stable and in-demand ways to earn passive income in our country and the region, especially in urban areas like Belgrade and Novi Sad, or tourist destinations such as Kopaonik, Zlatibor, and the Montenegrin coast. Whether you own an apartment, a house, or a holiday flat, properly setting up and managing your rental can significantly increase your monthly income.

Below, explore our team’s tips on how to earn money from rentals with ease.

1. Choose Between Short-Term and Long-Term Rentals

The model you choose will determine both your monthly earnings and the time and effort needed to manage the property.

• Long-term rentals offer stability and require less operational involvement but usually bring lower monthly income.
• Short-term rentals (e.g., Airbnb, Booking) can generate significantly higher revenue, especially in peak season, but they demand more time, cleaning arrangements, guest communication, and owner flexibility.
• Combined model – Some owners choose to rent short-term during the summer and switch to long-term in winter to maximize profit.

2. Choose the Right Location

Once you decide on a rental model, pick the location accordingly. Location is the key factor that directly affects rental prices.

• Apartments in central Belgrade, near universities or business zones, are highly sought after by students and professionals.
• In tourist areas, apartments near the beach or ski slopes achieve high daily rental prices during the season.

Tips:

• For long-term rentals: focus on city areas with strong infrastructure (public transport, schools, hospitals).
• For short-term rentals (e.g., via Airbnb): prioritize central locations with tourist attractions and good airport connections.

3. Furnish and Equip the Property Smartly

A functional, bright, and modern apartment will attract more potential tenants. Investing in quality furniture and appliances often pays off quickly by allowing you to charge higher rent.

Key points:

• Regular maintenance and cleaning are essential.
• Provide fast internet, household appliances, and essential furniture.

Tip: Neutral colors and modern interiors increase appeal and attract more guests or tenants.

4. Set the Right Price

Your rental price should be competitive yet realistic based on location, size, amenities, and demand. A price that’s too high may scare off clients, while a price that’s too low may reduce demand.

Steps:

• Research similar properties on platforms like Airbnb or Booking.
• Adjust pricing based on seasonal demand – lower prices or offer discounts when demand drops.
• Increase prices during high-demand periods (summer months, university season, major events like concerts or sports games).

5. Prepare a Contract and Ensure Legal Protection

For long-term rentals, a lease agreement is essential to protect you as the owner. It should include rental duration, monthly rent, maintenance costs, termination clauses, and responsibilities of both parties.

Protection measures:

• Security deposit equivalent to one or two months’ rent.
• Photocopy of tenant’s ID.
• Background check – avoid renting without vetting the tenant first.

6. Invest in Digital Promotion

If you decide to rent independently (without an agency), advertising is crucial.

Where to advertise:

• Websites: Nekretnine.rs, 4zida – for long-term rentals.
• Social media: Instagram, Facebook (especially for short-term), TikTok.
• Booking & Airbnb – for apartments and houses in attractive locations, mainly for short-term rentals.

Tip: Professional photos can triple the number of inquiries and bookings.

7. Hire an Agency (Optional)

If you don’t have the time to handle advertising, showings, and admin tasks, consider hiring a real estate agency. Agencies usually charge a one-time fee equal to one month’s rent for long-term leases or a commission per reservation for short-term rentals.

Benefits of working with an agency:

• Professional property valuation.
• Legal protection and contracts.
• Faster tenant acquisition.
• Less stress and time investment on your end.

8. Mind the Taxes and Legal Requirements

If you are renting out an apartment as a private individual on a long-term basis in Serbia, it is mandatory to declare the income and pay rental property tax. The income tax on rental property is 20% of the annual rental amount.

Additionally, if you are renting out your property as a short-term rental (daily rental), you must register it for tourism activity and report guests through the E-tourist portal. In this case, the apartment must be properly equipped and comply with the established standards of tourist categorization set by the City of Belgrade.

In some situations, you can register as an entrepreneur and benefit from additional tax deductions, especially if you are renting out multiple properties.

9. Real-Life Example: How Much Can You Earn?

Example from Belgrade (2025):
A 55 m² two-bedroom apartment in Vračar rents for €700–€800 per month.
If rented daily via Airbnb during peak season, income can reach €1,200–€1,500 monthly, assuming good occupancy and strong promotion.

Renting property can be a stable and profitable income source, but it requires the right strategy, presentation, and legal support. If you manage your assets wisely, you can ensure steady passive income while your property appreciates over time.

Want to rent out your property but don’t know where to start?

Contact us – ImoNova A has 25 years of experience in successful property rentals and sales. We’ll help you unlock the full potential of your property.

📞 Call us: +381 65 825 82 02
📩 Or email us: imonova.a@gmail.com