Guéliz is the area most expatriates, remote workers and long-stay visitors choose in Marrakech: cafés, supermarkets, a short walk to restaurants, and taxis everywhere. A furnished apartment on a lease of six months or more is a practical way to settle in. Here is what to check before you sign.
Visit like an owner
- Visit in the evening to judge noise from bars and traffic.
- Check the water pressure, hot water, air conditioning and internet speed.
- Look at the mattresses, the kitchen equipment and the washing machine.
What the lease should state
- Names of owner and tenant, and the exact address.
- Duration, renewal conditions and notice period.
- Rent, in which currency and on which date, and any increase.
- Charges included or not: water, electricity, internet, building charges.
- The amount and conditions of return of the deposit.
- An inventory of furniture and equipment, signed by both sides.
Deposit and inventory
Take dated photos on the day you enter. Most disputes at the end of a lease are about wear and small damage that nobody recorded. A short, signed inventory protects you and the owner.
Residency and the lease
A registered lease can help when you apply for residency papers, see residence permit and property for the logic, since the same documents often serve. Ask if the owner will register the lease.
If you might buy later
Renting in an area for six months is the best research before you buy there. You learn the noise, the commute, the shops and the real cost of living. Many buyers rent first and then buy nearby. Our article on the best neighbourhoods to buy compares them.
Frequently asked questions
What deposit is usual for a furnished rental?
It varies, commonly one or two months' rent. Ask for it in writing, with the conditions for its return.
Are bills included?
Sometimes. Check whether water, electricity, internet and building charges are in the rent or billed separately.
Can I leave the lease early?
Only as the lease allows. Read the notice period and any penalty before you sign.
See our current long-term rentals, or tell us your criteria and we will propose apartments that match. If you are an owner who wants to rent out, read how to invest in rental property in Marrakech.