🏠 Introduction: Why Rent in Morocco?
Renting in Morocco is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to settle down as an expat. Whether you plan to stay in Marrakech, Casablanca, or a coastal town like Agadir, this 2025 guide will walk you through:
- Average rental prices (in USD)
- Lease contracts
- What to expect
- And common pitfalls to avoid
💰 How Much Does It Cost to Rent in Morocco?
Here’s what you can expect to pay for a 1-bedroom rental:
City | City Center (USD) | Outside Center (USD) |
---|---|---|
Marrakech | $300 – $450 | $200 – $300 |
Casablanca | $450 – $600 | $350 – $450 |
Rabat | $400 – $550 | $300 – $400 |
Agadir | $300 – $400 | $200 – $300 |
🧠 Furnished places typically cost +$50/month more.
📑 Rental Contracts: What’s Required?
To sign a legal rental contract in Morocco, you’ll need:
- Passport or residency card (if available)
- A minimum 1-month deposit
- Payment of 1–3 months upfront
- A notarized copy of the contract (“contrat de bail légalisé”)
📌 Notarization costs about $5–$10 and is done at a local municipal office (moqataâ).
🏢 Types of Rentals Available
Type | Description |
---|---|
Studio Apartments | Ideal for digital nomads and solo expats |
1-2 Bedroom | Most common option |
Villas / Riads | High-end, often for families or long-term rentals |
Furnished vs Unfurnished | Unfurnished rentals may lack appliances |
🔍 Where to Find Rentals
You can search on:
- 🟢 Avito.ma (biggest local classifieds)
- 🟣 Facebook Marketplace / Groups
- 🟠 Local agencies (charge 1 month rent as fee)
- ⚪ Walk around neighborhoods and look for “à louer” signs
💡 Facebook groups often have foreigner-friendly landlords.
🛑 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Renting without a written contract
- Not legalizing the lease — makes it hard to prove residency
- Not asking about monthly charges (water, syndic, building fees)
- Ignoring the neighborhood at night — always visit twice
🧩 Bonus Tip: Areas to Consider
City | Neighborhoods (Good for Expats) |
---|---|
Marrakech | Gueliz, Hivernage, Sidi Youssef |
Casablanca | Maarif, Anfa, CIL |
Rabat | Agdal, Hay Riad, Hassan |
Agadir | Talborjt, Founty, Hay Mohammadi |
📌 Final Advice
Renting in Morocco is simple if you stay legal and cautious. Always ask for receipts, inspect the property twice, and get your contract stamped — especially if you plan to apply for residency later.