The lease agreement is your primary protection in Ukraine as it is everywhere else. It is not the best protection given the state of Ukrainian law, but far fewer problems develop when you have a written lease agreement. The problems almost always emerge when you trust Ukrainian landlords to honor a verbal agreement, or when you do not exercise due diligence in securing a new written lease agreement come renewal time. Without a written lease agreement, they can ask you to move out with virtually no notice or may increase your rent at will.

There are a few things to watch out for specifically. First, if you go to sign on an apartment in the understanding it will run you say $500 per month, and they suddenly say it is $550 a month – smile, say “No, thank you”, turn and start walking for the door. Continue out the door and do not look back even if they backtrack. Second, make certain that you are provided a written, signed, lease agreement. It is best to have an interpreter available to go over it with you in English. Make sure you know your landlord’s and your own responsibilities. If you want to extend your lease and your landlord agrees, make certain you receive a new written, signed, lease agreement.

Your other elements of protection come via who you know and how you present yourself. Simply having an interpreter on your side helps keep everything on an even footing, that is even more the case when the interpreter appears to be a good friend of yours. Those most willing to take advantage of your position will not consider trying when it is clear someone is looking out for your best interests. Presenting yourself as a serious, responsible, friendly but firm person will also serve your interests.

Most landlords will accept payment for in US Dollars or Ukrainian hryvnia. Throughout most of 2007, the conversion rate has run roughly $1 to 5.05 hryvnia. This dips to about 4.98 to 5.02 in the summer months. Also, it varies from one exchange service or bank and the next. The best exchange rates tend to be in the center of town.