This essential guide breaks down everything you need to know about renting flats in Dhaka—from finding the right neighborhood and understanding price trends to securing legal agreements and avoiding pitfalls.
Locating Your Zone: Key Dhaka Neighborhoods
Dhaka’s residential areas are highly diverse, with each offering a distinct lifestyle and price point. Your choice of area is the single greatest factor influencing your rent.
| Area | Vibe & Key Features | Average Rent Trend | Ideal For |
| Gulshan | Diplomatic Zone, luxury living, premium amenities, high security. | 80,000+ BDT (3+ BHK) | Expats, High-Income Professionals |
| Dhanmondi | Central, established family area, strong education/medical hub. | 60,000+ BDT (3+ BHK) | Established Families, Academics |
| Bashundhara R/A | Modern, planned blocks, near major universities (NSU, IUB), youthful energy. | 50,000+ BDT (3+ BHK) | Students, Young Professionals |
| Uttara | Spacious, well-connected to the airport, developing Metro Rail hub. | 40,000+ BDT (3+ BHK) | Commuters, Large Families |
| Mirpur | Budget-friendly, high density, excellent Metro Rail connectivity. | 25,000+ BDT (3+ BHK) | Students, Middle-Income Families |
Current Rental Market & Financial Planning
Rent is influenced by the flat's size, design, building age, amenities (generator, parking, lift), and proximity to essential services.
Average Monthly Rental Estimates (BDT)
| Location | 1-Bedroom (1BHK) | 2-Bedroom (2BHK) |
| Gulshan | 35,000+ | 50,000+ |
| Dhanmondi | 25,000+ | 40,000+ |
| Uttara | 15,000+ | 25,000+ |
| Mirpur | 10,000+ | 15,000+ |
| Bashundhara | 20,000+ | 35,000+ |
Tenant Budget Essentials
Beyond the base rent, tenants must budget for:
- Service Charges: Mandatory fees for lift, security, and common area cleaning.
- Utility Bills: Gas, electricity, and water are almost always separate and can fluctuate significantly, especially during peak season.
- Parking Fees: Often charged separately from the main rent.
Financial Rule of Thumb: Keep total rent and service charges within 30-40% of your monthly income for a balanced budget.
Finding & Securing a Flat
The market offers a range of units, from space-saving Studio Apartments (great for singles/students) to large 3BHK and Luxury Flats.
Search Methods
- Online Platforms: Use websites like Bikroy.com, Basha-Vara.com, and ToLetBD for the widest selection and best comparative pricing.
- Offline: The traditional "To-Let" signs on buildings and word of mouth remain effective, especially for finding listings not publicly advertised.
- Brokers: They can expedite the search process but typically charge a heavy fee—50% to 100% of one month’s rent.
Negotiation Tactics
- Do Your Homework: Know the average rent for similar properties in the same block before starting negotiations.
- Offer Advance: Offering an extra month of advance rent or a longer lease commitment can be a strong bargaining chip.
- Point Out Flaws: Gently pointing out necessary repairs (old wiring, poor paint) can justify a lower monthly price.
Legal Requirements and Pitfalls
A proper agreement protects both the tenant and the landlord. Never proceed without documented contracts and receipts.
Rental Agreements
Always demand a written agreement that clearly defines:
- The exact rent amount and due date.
- The duration of the tenancy.
- The required notice period for termination (usually 1-2 months).
- Maintenance responsibilities (who pays for major vs. minor repairs).
Security Deposits and Costs
- Deposit: Landlords typically require 2-3 months’ rent as a security deposit. Get a written receipt.
- Hidden Costs: Be clear about utility bill calculations (especially gas and electricity) and any extra Community or Association Fees before signing.
Avoiding Scams
- Inspect in Person: Never pay a full deposit or full advance without physically visiting the property and meeting the landlord face-to-face.
- Verify Landlord: Ask for proof of ownership or the landlord’s NID to ensure they are the legitimate property owner.
Special Considerations
Bachelor and Student Rentals
It is notoriously difficult for single bachelors to rent in Dhaka due to the preference for families. Areas like Mirpur, Bashundhara, and Mohammadpur—which are near major universities and have high student populations—tend to be more flexible and bachelor-friendly.
Advice for Landlords
- Set Competitive Rent: Research local trends to price your flat competitively; an empty flat loses more money than a reasonably priced one.
- Screen Tenants: Request NID/copyright copies, job/student proof, and a list of references.
- Maintain Relations: Respond promptly to maintenance issues to ensure tenant retention and positive relations.
The Future Outlook
Renting offers flexibility and a low barrier to entry, while buying is a high-cost, long-term asset. For most of Dhaka’s population, renting remains the practical solution.
In the next five years, expect to see trends toward Smart Apartments, greater use of online lease agreements, and increased property value appreciation in areas connected by the Metro Rail (MRT), such as Uttara and Mirpur.
Have you already decided on a specific area, or are you still weighing the price difference against location convenience?