Can the landlord raise the rent during the contract?
Only with conditions: the rent for a home can be recalculated only by agreement of the parties and no more than once a year. The widely repeated myth that a landlord can raise the rent "whenever they like, as long as they give notice", or that it is allowed "twice a year", is wrong. "Twice a year" (CK 6.487) applies to commercial tenancy, while for a home the stricter Article 6.583 of the Civil Code governs: the rent may be recalculated by agreement, but no more than once a year. More importantly, contract terms that let the landlord raise the rent unilaterally, or demand a recalculation before twelve months have passed since the contract was signed, are void. So without your consent (or a lawful indexation clause that respects these limits) a sudden rent rise is not binding — and if a dispute arises, the rent can be paid into a deposit account.
📋 The rules
- A home's rent can be recalculated only by agreement (CK 6.583)
- No more than once a year and not within the first 12 months
- Terms letting the landlord raise the rent unilaterally are void
- Commercial tenancy (CK 6.487) — up to twice a year, but also by agreement
- In a dispute the tenant may pay the rent into a deposit account
🔓 Exceptions
- The contract may set a clear indexation method in advance (e.g. by inflation), provided it respects the once-a-year and 12-month limits
- Rent for state and municipal housing is calculated under a government procedure, not a private contract
- The parties are always free to agree a new price — only unilateral and too-frequent rises are banned
⚠️ Penalties & fines
An unlawful rent rise is not binding — but ignoring it without the right steps is risky. If a landlord unilaterally "raises" the rent in breach of CK 6.583, that term or demand is void, and the tenant does not have to pay more. Even so, simply stopping payment is dangerous: not paying rent for three months gives the landlord grounds to terminate the tenancy and evict. The correct route is to pay the agreed price and, if needed, place the disputed difference in a deposit account (CK 6.583, 6.56), showing good faith. What often goes unnoticed: if the landlord is a business and the tenant a consumer, a sudden unilateral price increase may count as an unfair contract term, and the dispute can be taken to the State Consumer Rights Protection Authority. Written correspondence and a copy of the contract decide most disputes.
📎 Official sources
- e-seimas · Civil Code (Art. 6.583, residential rent) →
- e-seimas · Civil Code (Art. 6.487, rent) →
- VVTAT · unfair contract terms →
❓ Frequently asked
Can a landlord raise the rent whenever they want?
No. The rent for a home can be recalculated only by agreement of the parties and no more than once a year. Contract terms that let the landlord raise the rent unilaterally are void under Article 6.583 of the Civil Code.
How many times a year can the rent be changed?
For a home, no more than once a year. The often-quoted "twice a year" rule applies to commercial tenancy under CK 6.487, while a stricter limit applies to residential premises, so the two should not be confused.
Can the rent be raised in the first year of the tenancy?
No. Article 6.583 of the Civil Code bans demanding a rent recalculation before twelve months have passed since the contract was signed. Such a contract term is void, so in the first year the price stays unless the parties newly agree.
What should I do if the landlord raised the rent unlawfully?
An unlawful unilateral rise is not binding, but stopping payment is dangerous. It is best to pay the agreed price, place the disputed difference in a deposit account and inform the landlord in writing; if the landlord is a business, contact the consumer rights authority.
Can the tenancy agreement provide for rent indexation?
Yes, the contract may set out a clear price-indexation method in advance, for example by inflation. However, it must stay within the statutory limits — no more than once a year and not within the first twelve months.
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