How to Rent an Apartment in Senegal

1 October 2026 · 6 min read · by TOUBA PALLENE IMMO

Renting in Senegal is not like booking a short stay abroad. There are no nightly rates, no cleaning fees added at checkout and no apartment handed over for a weekend. Instead, almost every home is rented through a yearly contract that is paid month by month. Once you understand that rhythm, the whole process becomes simple — and predictable. Here is exactly how to rent an apartment in Senegal, from the first search to the day you get your keys.

Why renting in Senegal works differently

Most landlords in Senegal rent on an annual lease (contrat de bail) rather than by the night. You commit to a full year, but you pay the rent monthly on an agreed date — usually the same day each month. Two things follow from this. First, there are no service fees or nightly add-ons: the price you see is the monthly rent. Second, because the commitment is long, landlords care a lot about who moves in, which is why an interview, a visit and a signed contract come before any payment. On TOUBA PALLENE IMMO every listing follows this yearly-contract-paid-monthly model, so you never have to guess which rule applies.

The step-by-step process to rent an apartment

1. Search verified listings

Start with the Buildings page, where you can filter by city, neighbourhood, property type and budget. Compare apartments, studios, villas and offices across Dakar and the coast — every listing shows the monthly rent, the deposit and what is included.

2. Send a request

When you find a home you like, send a contract request with your preferred move-in date and a short message. This is not a payment step; it simply starts the conversation with our team.

3. Arrange a visit

Our team contacts you to organise a visit so you can see the property in person before committing. Mention your availability and we will fit around it.

4. Sign the lease

Once you are happy with the property, you sign a yearly rental contract. It sets out the monthly rent, the due date, the deposit and the house rules.

5. Pay and move in

You pay the first month's rent and the deposit, then collect the keys. After that, rent is due each month on the date in your contract — and your Account page keeps the history in one place.

What it costs and what to budget

Most landlords ask for the first month's rent plus a deposit, which is often equal to one month's rent and is refundable at the end of the lease if the home is returned in good condition. Some also add a small agency fee. To be safe, budget roughly two months' rent upfront: one for the first month and one for the deposit. After that, your only regular cost is the monthly rent.

Where to rent in Senegal

Dakar

Dakar has the widest choice and the fastest access to work, schools and nightlife. The Almadies, Ngor and Mermoz are popular with families and professionals.

Plateau

The Plateau is the business heart of the city — ideal if you want to live within walking distance of offices and government buildings.

Saly

Saly is the most relaxed coastal option, known for its beaches and resorts, and a favourite for villas.

Mbour

Mbour mixes coastal life with a busy local market and often offers better value than Dakar.

Cap Skirring

Cap Skirring, in the Casamance, is the quietest and greenest choice — perfect for a slower pace by the ocean.

How TOUBA PALLENE IMMO makes renting safer

Every property on the site is checked before it goes live, so the photos, price and address match reality. You work with one team for the whole journey — search, visit, contract, payment and support — instead of chasing several agents. If anything is unclear, the Help page has answers, and you can message us directly from your Account page. That single, verified path is what turns a stressful search into a straightforward move.

Frequently asked questions