Those offering their housing for daily rent prefer to work with a reliable apartment agency.
Moscow and St. Petersburg are the two most visited cities in Russia. And if people prefer to go to the official capital for business, they usually go to the northern capital for tourist purposes. However, while five- and four-star hotels are fine in both Russian capitals, the more economical three or two stars are not popular with either investors or developers. As a result, both of the country's largest cities have a shortage of good and inexpensive hotels.
Fortunately, there is an alternative in the form of daily rental housing. Today, renting a flat in St. Petersburg or Moscow for a short term is much easier than renting for a long term. True, there are many dangers for visitors in this matter. This especially applies to Moscow: there is always a risk of being tempted by a dubious offer from strange individuals waiting for business travelers at all Moscow train stations. It should be noted that they charge very little for their services – some "apartments" are offered from 500 to 1000 rubles per day. However, it is more than likely that such a rental will end badly for the guest.
As a rule, such apartments are also periodically used as dens for prostitution (sometimes shady individuals at train stations offer "all services included"). Therefore, all such housing has long been registered with the Moscow police, whose officers periodically visit them with raids to find "night butterflies". Moreover, this happens at night or early in the morning.
In addition, renting apartments in St. Petersburg or Moscow from dubious individuals is also fraught with the prospect of becoming a victim of a crime. Alas, cases where guests were simply robbed are not uncommon, especially since no one gives any guarantees that the owners do not have an extra set of keys. Unfortunately, this happens more and more every year.
Decent owners offering their housing for daily rent, as a rule, prefer to work with a reliable apartment agency. Of course, this will cost a little more than renting a flat for a day from "grandmothers at the station", but the agency gives you a full guarantee of peace, safety, and finally, the presence of clean washed bed linen and the absence of cockroaches and dirt. Such rental in Moscow will cost from 1500 rubles (economy class apartments in remote areas, but close to the metro) to 5000 rubles (apartments with European-style renovation and household appliances closer to the center). Moreover, the sanitary condition will be at a good level even when choosing an inexpensive option (although, of course, you should not count on expensive appliances or a jacuzzi pool – the furnishings will be roughly at the level of a two-star hotel room). There are also exclusive VIP options, but they, of course, will cost significantly more.
Therefore, instead of paying attention to the first old lady at the station with a sign "I will rent a flat in Moscow" or "I will rent a flat in Peter", it makes sense to turn to professionals – apartment agencies. After all, only they can fully ensure your peace and safety.