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Reliability of listings
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Your home finder is there to select the goods, he visits them, alone, with you in person, or with you by video. And above all, he knows how to rely on reliable business partners who only present him with quality goods.
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Market access
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Your home finder can offer you his own goods, he also has access to all the offers published on the market, and he knows the local agencies and landlords
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Scam risk
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At Remoters, we no longer count the number of French people who have signed a rental contract abroad, without understanding it. Some unscrupulous sellers take advantage of this to insert conditions that are disadvantageous for the tenant. This cannot happen when the contract is reviewed by our home finder.
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Access to local prices
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When you search alone, about 85% of the time goes into searching and 15% into viewings. With a home finder, you only do the viewings
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Application accepted
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In areas where homeowners have plenty of candidates to choose from, they rarely choose foreigners first. Your home finder will use his influence (and his mastery of the language) to put your case before others.
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Satisfaction
Only 20% of satisfied buyers according to the 2018 Crédit Foncier study. For its part, Remoters gets a score of 4/5 or 5/5 in 95% of cases
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Browsing online listings

Weak
Weak
Elevated
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Uncertain
20%

Finding with Remoters

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Weak
Very likely
95%
Reykjavik

Finding a long-term rental in Reykjavik is a genuine challenge. The market is supply-constrained, rents have been rising sharply (up 11.4% year-on-year in the capital region in early 2025, per jarniascyril.com), and the best apartments are snapped up within days of listing. For international arrivals, the process is further complicated by administrative requirements — particularly the kennitala (national ID number) needed to sign a lease — and by the strong preference of Icelandic landlords for in-person meetings.

A one-bedroom apartment in Reykjavik typically costs between 220,000 and 300,000 ISK/month (movingtoiceland.com, early 2026), with central postal codes (101, 105, 107) at the top of the range and outer suburbs (109, 110, 112) offering more affordable options. Security deposits of up to three months' rent are standard, and utilities (approximately 15,000–25,000 ISK/month) are generally not included in the rent.

Professional rental search support helps you navigate this competitive market efficiently: monitoring listings in real time, attending viewings locally, reviewing lease terms, and managing the administrative steps — so you can secure the right home without the stress of doing it alone from abroad.

In short: Renting long-term in Reykjavik is competitive, expensive, and administratively complex for newcomers. Rents for a one-bedroom apartment range from 220,000 to 300,000 ISK/month (movingtoiceland.com, early 2026), deposits can reach three months' rent, and the best listings disappear within days. The kennitala requirement and Icelandic-language leases add further complexity for international arrivals. Starting your search early, using local platforms, and getting professional support significantly improves your chances of finding the right home in the right neighbourhood.

The Reykjavik long-term rental market is one of the most competitive and supply-constrained in Northern Europe. Key market challenges include:

  • Chronic housing shortage: Iceland's housing market is marked by significant tension between supply and demand, driven by population growth, high immigration, and limited construction capacity (jarniascyril.com, 2025). The capital region, home to approximately 64% of Iceland's population (Statistics Iceland, Q4 2025), bears the brunt of this pressure.
  • Short-term rental competition: Tourist rentals have historically pulled units off the long-term market, particularly in central Reykjavik. While 2024 legislation restricted business entities from using residential housing for short-term rentals, the impact on long-term supply is still unfolding (hostaway.com, 2024).
  • Speed of the market: The most desirable central Reykjavik apartments rent within days of listing. Prospective tenants should start searching at least 4–6 weeks before their intended arrival date and be prepared to make quick decisions (expatlife.ai, 2024).
  • Remote search difficulty: Most Icelandic landlords prefer to meet prospective tenants in person before signing a lease, making it very difficult to secure housing from abroad (movingtoiceland.com, 2026).
  • Rising rents: The rent index for the capital region rose by 11.4% year-on-year in early 2025 (jarniascyril.com, 2025), significantly outpacing general inflation and reducing affordability for new arrivals.
  • Limited furnished stock: Long-term furnished rentals suitable for arriving expats are scarce; unfurnished or part-furnished flats are the norm.

Moving to Reykjavik involves several administrative hurdles that can complicate the rental process for newcomers:

  • The kennitala catch-22: Iceland's national identification number (kennitala) is required to sign a formal lease and register the rental contract. However, obtaining a kennitala requires a confirmed residential address — creating a circular dependency for new arrivals. A temporary system ID (utangarðskennitala) can serve as a workaround for initial steps (lookuptax.com).
  • Address registration: Tenants must register their address with Registers Iceland (Þjóðskrá) after moving in. This registration is essential for accessing public services, healthcare, and banking.
  • Guarantor requirements: Foreign nationals without an established credit history in Iceland may be asked to provide an Icelandic guarantor or additional proof of income, which can be difficult to arrange from abroad.
  • Language barrier: Rental listings, lease contracts, and landlord communications are often in Icelandic. Having a bilingual advisor or translator is strongly recommended to avoid misunderstandings.
  • Banking access: Opening a bank account in Iceland typically requires a kennitala, creating another dependency that can delay the payment of deposits and first month's rent.
  • EEA vs. non-EEA nationals: EEA/EFTA citizens can apply for a kennitala in person at Þjóðskrá; non-EEA nationals generally require employer sponsorship, adding complexity and time to the process.

Navigating the Reykjavik rental market as a newcomer — especially from abroad — is genuinely challenging. Here is why professional rental search support makes a real difference:

  • A highly competitive, fast-moving market: Central apartments rent within days. A local expert with active market knowledge can alert you to new listings immediately and act on your behalf before units disappear.
  • Remote search is structurally difficult: Icelandic landlords strongly prefer in-person meetings before signing. A local representative can attend viewings, assess properties, and negotiate on your behalf while you are still abroad.
  • Administrative complexity: The kennitala requirement, Icelandic-language contracts, and address registration procedures are unfamiliar to most international arrivals. Expert guidance prevents costly delays and errors.
  • Lease review and negotiation: Understanding Icelandic tenancy law (Act No. 36/1994) and identifying unfavourable clauses — particularly around rent indexation and deposit conditions — requires local legal knowledge.
  • Neighbourhood matching: Reykjavik's postal codes vary significantly in character, price, and connectivity. A specialist can match your profile (family, student, professional) to the right area, saving time and avoiding mismatches.
  • Avoiding scams and substandard listings: In a tight market, fraudulent or misleading listings do appear. A professional verifies landlord legitimacy and property condition before you commit.

A rental search specialist supporting your move to Reykjavik will systematically verify the following before you sign any lease:

  • Lease compliance: Checking that the written contract complies with Icelandic tenancy law (Act No. 36/1994), including correct identification of parties with their kennitala (national ID numbers), property description, rent amount, payment terms, and notice periods.
  • Deposit conditions: Confirming the deposit does not exceed the legal maximum of three months' rent and that it will be held in a designated, separate bank account as required by law.
  • Property condition: Assessing the actual state of the apartment — heating system, insulation, damp or mould issues (relevant given Iceland's climate), and any existing damage to document before move-in.
  • Rent indexation clause: Verifying how and when rent increases are applied, and whether the clause is consistent with current Icelandic regulations.
  • Utilities and charges: Clarifying which costs are included in the rent and which are billed separately (electricity, hot water, internet, building maintenance fees).
  • Landlord legitimacy: Confirming the landlord is the legal owner or authorised agent of the property, and that the unit is not subject to any short-term rental restrictions or pending legal disputes.
  • Neighbourhood fit: Evaluating the postal code and neighbourhood against your lifestyle needs — proximity to public transport, schools, workplaces, and services.

A structured rental search process in Reykjavik typically follows these steps:

  1. Needs assessment: Define your requirements — budget (monthly rent in ISK or EUR), preferred neighbourhoods, apartment size, furnished or unfurnished, proximity to work or schools, and desired lease start date.
  2. Market briefing: Receive an up-to-date overview of the Reykjavik rental market: current rent levels by postal code, typical lease terms, deposit norms, and administrative requirements for foreign nationals.
  3. Active search and monitoring: Listings are monitored daily across Icelandic platforms (such as Leiga.is), Facebook rental groups, and agency networks. You are alerted to relevant properties as soon as they appear.
  4. Property viewings: Viewings are arranged and, where needed, attended on your behalf. A detailed report — including photos, condition assessment, and neighbourhood notes — is provided for each property.
  5. Application support: Your rental application is prepared and presented professionally, including proof of income, references, and any required documentation to strengthen your candidacy with the landlord.
  6. Lease review: The draft lease is reviewed for compliance with Icelandic tenancy law, with particular attention to rent indexation clauses, deposit terms, notice periods, and utility responsibilities.
  7. Move-in coordination: Support with the property inventory, key handover, and initial administrative steps including address registration with Þjóðskrá.

Professional rental search support in Reykjavik is particularly valuable for the following profiles:

  • International professionals and expats: Relocating for work with limited time to search, unfamiliar with Icelandic administrative procedures, and needing to secure housing before or shortly after arrival.
  • Expatriates: Seeking a long-term furnished or semi-furnished base in Reykjavik, often with flexible lease terms and good connectivity.
  • Families relocating to Iceland: Requiring specific neighbourhood criteria — proximity to international or Icelandic schools, safe streets, green spaces — and needing to balance budget with quality of life.
  • Students and researchers: Arriving for a fixed academic period, often with limited local networks and needing guidance on affordable neighbourhoods and short-to-medium-term lease options.
  • Non-EEA nationals: Facing additional administrative complexity around kennitala applications and guarantor requirements, who benefit from expert navigation of the process.
  • Anyone searching from abroad: Given that Icelandic landlords strongly prefer in-person meetings, anyone unable to be physically present in Reykjavik during the search phase gains a significant advantage from local representation.

Reykjavik's postal codes define distinct neighbourhoods with different characters, rent levels, and lifestyles. Here is a practical comparison for long-term renters:

  • 101 – Miðborg (Downtown): The historic city centre — walkable, vibrant, close to all amenities. Highest rent levels in the capital. Long-term rental stock is limited, as many units are used for tourist rentals. Best for those who prioritise central location and urban lifestyle.
  • 105 – Hlíðar and 107 – Vesturbær: Within walking distance of the city centre, popular with expats and young professionals. Rents are high but slightly below 101. Good public transport and cycling infrastructure. Vesturbær (107) is particularly sought after for its residential feel and proximity to the sea.
  • 103 – Breiðholt area / 104 – Laugardalur: A bit further out but accessible by bus or bicycle. Laugardalur (104) is known for its sports facilities and family-friendly environment. More affordable than 101/105/107.
  • 109 – Breiðholt, 110 – Árbær, 112 – Grafarvogur: Outer suburbs with the most affordable rents in the Reykjavik municipality. Well served by bus. Popular with families seeking more space for less. Grafarvogur (112) is particularly popular with families for its schools and quiet streets.
  • Kópavogur, Hafnarfjörður, Garðabær: Neighbouring municipalities offering lower rents than central Reykjavik while remaining well connected. Popular with families and budget-conscious tenants. According to movingtoiceland.com (2026), rent per square metre in Kópavogur averages 3,810 ISK vs. 4,041 ISK in Reykjavik (HMS data, February 2025).

Renting in Reykjavik requires careful budget planning beyond the monthly rent itself. Key points to watch:

  • Rent level: According to HMS (Housing and Construction Authority) data and movingtoiceland.com (early 2026), a one-bedroom apartment in Reykjavik typically costs between 220,000 and 300,000 ISK/month, with central postal codes (101, 105, 107) at the top of that range and outer suburbs (109, 110, 112) more affordable.
  • Security deposit: Icelandic law (Act No. 36/1994, as updated) caps the security deposit at three months' rent. In practice, landlords typically request two to three months upfront, which represents a significant initial outlay.
  • Utilities: Rent in Iceland generally does not include utilities. Budget an additional 15,000–25,000 ISK/month for electricity and heating (movingtoiceland.com, 2025). Thanks to geothermal energy, heating costs are low compared to mainland Europe, but electricity bills rise during dark winter months.
  • Rent indexation: Annual rent increases are permitted by law and are typically linked to inflation. The rent index for the capital region increased by 11.4% year-on-year in early 2025 (jarniascyril.com, 2025), well above general inflation — factor this into your medium-term budget.
  • Furnished vs. unfurnished: Long-term rentals in Reykjavik are predominantly unfurnished or part-furnished. Budget for furniture and appliances if needed.
  • Outer municipalities: Kópavogur, Hafnarfjörður, and Garðabær offer lower rents than central Reykjavik while remaining well connected to the capital — a viable option for budget-conscious tenants.

When searching for a long-term rental in Reykjavik, newcomers frequently make the following mistakes:

  • Starting the search too late: Waiting until arrival to begin looking is a common and costly error. The market moves fast — begin your search at least 4–6 weeks in advance and have all documents ready.
  • Ignoring the kennitala requirement: Many tenants are caught off guard by the need for a kennitala to sign a lease. Not planning for this administrative step in advance can delay your move-in by weeks.
  • Underestimating the total budget: Focusing only on the monthly rent and forgetting to account for the security deposit (up to three months' rent), utilities (15,000–25,000 ISK/month), and furniture costs leads to financial surprises.
  • Relying solely on major platforms: Limiting your search to international portals misses a large share of listings. Facebook groups (such as Leiga) and local Icelandic platforms are essential channels in Reykjavik.
  • Not reading the lease carefully: Signing a contract in Icelandic without a proper translation or legal review can result in unfavourable rent indexation clauses or unclear notice period terms.
  • Overlooking outer neighbourhoods: Dismissing suburbs like Breiðholt (109), Árbær (110), or Grafarvogur (112) without consideration means missing significantly more affordable options that are still well connected by bus.
  • Skipping the property inspection: Moving in without documenting the property's condition in writing exposes tenants to unjustified deposit deductions at the end of the lease.

Practical tips for a successful long-term rental search in Reykjavik:

  • Start early: Begin your search at least 4–6 weeks before your planned arrival. The best apartments in central Reykjavik rent within days of listing (expatlife.ai, 2024).
  • Use local channels: Icelandic rental platforms (such as Leiga.is) and Facebook rental groups are essential — do not rely solely on international portals, which carry only a fraction of available listings.
  • Prepare your documents in advance: Have proof of income, employment contract or letter, references, and identification ready. Landlords move quickly and expect applicants to be prepared.
  • Understand the kennitala process: Plan for the kennitala requirement early. If you arrive without one, ask your employer to initiate the process or explore the temporary utangarðskennitala as a short-term workaround.
  • Consider outer postal codes: Breiðholt (109), Árbær (110), and Grafarvogur (112) offer meaningfully lower rents than central areas and are well served by public transport.
  • Budget for the full cost: Add utilities (approximately 15,000–25,000 ISK/month) and a security deposit of up to three months' rent to your initial budget calculations.
  • Get the lease reviewed: Always have the Icelandic-language lease reviewed by someone familiar with local tenancy law before signing — pay particular attention to rent indexation and notice period clauses.
  • Document the property condition: On move-in day, carry out a written inventory with the landlord and photograph any existing damage to protect your deposit at the end of the tenancy.

Remoters connects you with vetted local rental search specialists who know the Reykjavik housing market in depth. Whether you are relocating from France or anywhere else in the world, the support covers every stage of your long-term rental search: from defining your needs and monitoring listings, to attending viewings on your behalf, reviewing your lease in line with Icelandic tenancy law, and guiding you through the administrative steps — kennitala, address registration, and move-in formalities. The goal is to save you time, avoid costly mistakes, and help you find the right home in the right neighbourhood, even before you set foot in Iceland.

They watch Leiga.is and rental Facebook groups every day, where most listings appear, then view properties on your behalf. In Reykjavik, the best flats go within days and landlords like to meet applicants in person.

They check the lease, negotiate the terms and stay with you through to signing, including the steps tied to the kennitala.

It starts with a free, no-commitment conversation with a Home Finder based in Reykjavik who speaks English. You give your budget, neighbourhoods and move-in date, and they send a quote setting out what is included and what happens if the search does not succeed.

They search, view homes with photos or video and put your application forward. You pay online: the funds are held during the search and released to the Home Finder once it is complete. Start 4 to 6 weeks before you arrive.

They check that the lease complies with Icelandic law no. 36/1994: parties identified by kennitala, rent, payment terms, notice period. They make sure the deposit stays within the legal cap of three months' rent and will be held in a separate bank account.

They also check the heating and the real condition of the home, and treat the centre (101) with caution, where many homes go to tourist rentals.

The kennitala, the Icelandic national ID number, is required to sign a formal lease, but it needs a confirmed address: a vicious circle. A temporary identifier, the utangarðskennitala, serves as a workaround for the first steps.

Prepare proof of income, an employment contract or offer letter, references and ID documents. After moving in, register your address with the National Registry, Þjóðskrá, which is essential to access services.

What are you looking for in Reykjavik?

One of our home finders will look for the ideal property for you
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Long-term rental

standard lease, for 12 months or more
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Short rental

for periods of 1 to 12 months
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Colocation

a room in an existing shared flat
Floor plan of a home with its rooms and furniture.

Long-term rental

Standard lease, for 12 months or more
Blue backpack and folding chair: short-term rental.

Short-term rental

For periods of 1 to 12 months
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Colocation

a room in an existing shared flat

How does it work?

1

First contact:Your home finder offers a free call to understand your needs.

2
Quote: If you’re ready to move forward, you’ll receive a personalized quote via Remoters.
3
Mission start: Once approved and paid, the housing search begins.
4
Support: Your home finder assists you through to the lease signing and your arrival.
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Feedback: Share your review — your satisfaction is our priority !
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Frequently asked questions

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What does a Home Finder do to find you a rental in Reykjavik?

They watch Leiga.is and rental Facebook groups every day, where most listings appear, then view properties on your behalf. In Reykjavik, the best flats go within days and landlords like to meet applicants in person.

They check the lease, negotiate the terms and stay with you through to signing, including the steps tied to the kennitala.

A hand pointing at a laptop screen while the other types.
How does a search in Reykjavik work while you are still abroad?

It starts with a free, no-commitment conversation with a Home Finder based in Reykjavik who speaks English. You give your budget, neighbourhoods and move-in date, and they send a quote setting out what is included and what happens if the search does not succeed.

They search, view homes with photos or video and put your application forward. You pay online: the funds are held during the search and released to the Home Finder once it is complete. Start 4 to 6 weeks before you arrive.

A hand pointing at a laptop screen while the other types.
Which pitfalls does a Home Finder check before you rent in Reykjavik?

They check that the lease complies with Icelandic law no. 36/1994: parties identified by kennitala, rent, payment terms, notice period. They make sure the deposit stays within the legal cap of three months' rent and will be held in a separate bank account.

They also check the heating and the real condition of the home, and treat the centre (101) with caution, where many homes go to tourist rentals.

A hand pointing at a laptop screen while the other types.
How do you get a kennitala and prepare your application to rent in Reykjavik?

The kennitala, the Icelandic national ID number, is required to sign a formal lease, but it needs a confirmed address: a vicious circle. A temporary identifier, the utangarðskennitala, serves as a workaround for the first steps.

Prepare proof of income, an employment contract or offer letter, references and ID documents. After moving in, register your address with the National Registry, Þjóðskrá, which is essential to access services.

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