Renting Homes Online Becomes a Reality in Russia
Russia has taken a decisive step toward digitizing one of its most active consumer markets. With a new online rental service, citizens can now sign lease agreements without ever meeting face-to-face—reducing fraud risks, saving time, and reshaping the real estate industry.
Contracts Without Meetings
On August 19, Russia’s national digital portal Gosuslugi introduced the ability to sign housing rental agreements online. The first commercial platform to integrate the service was CIAN, one of the country’s leading real estate marketplaces. The Ministry of Digital Development has confirmed that other platforms will follow, eventually extending the system across the entire rental market.
The digital signing service simplifies transactions, increases security, and reduces time spent on paperwork. For Russia’s IT sector, this is also a landmark in the growth of PropTech, reinforcing electronic identification and expanding the role of Gosuslugi as a central hub for e-government services.
Bringing Landlords Out of the Shadows
While the technology is designed primarily for domestic use, it may set a global precedent for how rental markets are digitized. The key impact inside Russia will be a major boost in transparency. As more platforms adopt the service and integrate with temporary registration tools, the system is expected to encourage property owners to formalize their rental activities.
This means more landlords registering as sole proprietors or self-employed individuals, paying taxes legally, and reducing the share of the “shadow market.” In the digital economy, it also fosters closer collaboration between state platforms and commercial services, strengthening Russia’s regulatory and technological infrastructure.
Expansion of Digital Services
Since July 2025, Gosuslugi has supported electronic signatures for multiple types of contracts. Housing rentals are among the first large-scale applications. The initiative also reflects earlier legislative proposals: Senator Artyom Sheikin advocated for digital real estate services, noting that online agreements make renting safer for both parties while improving tax compliance.
Experts say the service represents a qualitative leap in e-government. Rental agreements move into the fully legal field, with safer and more transparent procedures. Other real estate platforms are expected to follow CIAN’s lead, accelerating the rental market’s transition out of the shadows. For citizens, the reform increases trust in Gosuslugi as the go-to platform for all digital transactions.
Will Realtors Disappear?
Despite fears that digital agreements could displace real estate professionals, experts believe their role will evolve rather than vanish. Realtors will continue to add value as consultants—helping clients evaluate options, negotiate terms, and maximize the benefits of rental agreements.
The broader trend is clear: Russia is steadily aligning its housing market with digital governance. By 2026, industry observers expect not only higher transparency and tax revenue but also stronger integration of PropTech solutions into everyday life.
