How to rent a house or apartment in Mauritius as an expat?

Are you about to make Mauritius home, or are you already settled on the island? Finding the right place to live is an important part of settling on the island. From modern apartments in secure residences to spacious villas with private pools, the rental market offers a wide range of options, with prices varying considerably from one area to another.

If you are still deciding where to settle, start by exploring our guides to the different regions of Mauritius: why and where to live in the North, the West, the South, the East and the Centre. They will help you compare the lifestyle, amenities and atmosphere of each area before you start your property search.

In this guide, we take a closer look at renting a house or apartment in Mauritius, including rental prices, leases, deposits and agency fees, as well as the best ways to find a property. If you're considering buying a house instead, check our article about property investment in Mauritius.

Rent, leases and additional costs: what to expect

Rental prices in Mauritius vary significantly depending on the region and town, proximity to the sea, the property's standard, and any added services such as a swimming pool or security staff. As a general guide, in the most sought-after areas (such as the North, Moka and the Black River area...) you can expect to pay around $2,500 per month for a high-end beachfront villa, around $1,800 for a villa with a private pool, and roughly $1,200 for a modern three-bedroom apartment in a secure residence with a shared pool. In these areas, a few good opportunities may also be found through word of mouth.

Rental agreements are typically signed for a period of one year, with automatic renewal unless either party gives notice. You should also allow for a security deposit of one or two months' rent, as well as agency fees, which are often equivalent to one month's rent.

How to find a rental in Mauritius?

It is generally best to wait until you arrive in Mauritius before committing to a long-term rental. Glossy photos, hidden flaws or a neighbourhood that does not quite fit your lifestyle are all common risks when renting from abroad. To start off, consider booking a short-term rental to give yourself time to get your bearings, explore different areas, and view properties in person.

To get an initial feel for the market, you can browse real estate agency websites and platforms such as lexpressproperty.com or propertycloud.mu, or explore relevant Facebook groups by searching keywords like "immobilier Maurice", "real estate Mauritius" or "buy and rent Mauritius". You will mostly find listings from real estate agents as finding a property to rent directly from a private landlord is less common in Mauritius. Going with a licensed estate agent is your best bet, ensuring you find a place that matches your criteria while keeping the rental process secure.

We recommend Ome Real Estate, Villa Vie and Barnes, three established real estate agencies in Mauritius.