Can I end the tenancy before the term?
Yes — a home tenant can end the tenancy by giving the landlord one month's written notice. This right under Article 6.609 of the Civil Code applies to both fixed-term and open-ended agreements, so the myth that "signing a one-year contract locks you in until it ends" is wrong — the tenant always has a one-month exit. You only need to give notice in writing and on time: without notice, the landlord is entitled to compensation for losses (usually up to one month's rent). The other side of the coin — a landlord cannot end the tenancy so easily: they need lawful grounds. Under Article 6.611 of the Civil Code, eviction without alternative housing is possible when the tenant fails to pay rent or utilities for three months, damages the premises or uses them for the wrong purpose. So the tenant's and the landlord's rights to end a tenancy are not the same.
📋 The rules
- The tenant ends the tenancy on one month's written notice (CK 6.609)
- The right applies to both fixed-term and open-ended agreements
- Without timely notice, the landlord is owed compensation for losses
- The landlord needs lawful grounds; they cannot end it as freely as the tenant
- Eviction without alternative housing — for 3 months' non-payment or damage (CK 6.611)
🔓 Exceptions
- Before the notice period ends, the tenant may withdraw the notice if the landlord has not yet signed a contract with another tenant (CK 6.609)
- If the tenant and their family move out to live elsewhere, the tenancy is deemed ended from the day of departure
- The contract may agree terms more favourable to the tenant, but not worse than the law provides
⚠️ Penalties & fines
A messy termination costs both the tenant and the landlord. If the tenant leaves without a month's notice, the landlord is entitled to compensation for losses — usually the equivalent of one month's rent, often deducted from the deposit. If the landlord ends the tenancy without lawful grounds or tries to evict by self-help (changing the locks, removing belongings), the landlord can themselves be held liable and have to compensate the tenant. What often goes unnoticed: a lawful eviction goes through the court, not by force — a bailiff enforces the decision, and the losing side covers the litigation costs. Terminating a fixed-term contract without the grounds set by law can also trigger the penalties written into the contract, so before leaving or evicting it is vital to follow the written-notice procedure and keep all the notices.
📎 Official sources
- e-seimas · Civil Code (Art. 6.609, tenant's right to terminate) →
- e-seimas · Civil Code (Art. 6.611, eviction) →
- Registrų centras · registering tenancy agreements →
❓ Frequently asked
How does a tenant end a home tenancy?
The tenant can end the tenancy by giving the landlord one month's written notice. This right under Article 6.609 of the Civil Code applies to both fixed-term and open-ended agreements, and the notice must be given in writing and on time.
Can I leave a fixed-term tenancy early?
Yes, the tenant has the right to end even a fixed-term agreement on one month's notice — the law does not restrict this right. So the claim that signing a one-year contract obliges you to stay until it ends is incorrect.
Can the landlord evict whenever they wish?
No. The landlord needs lawful grounds. Under Article 6.611 of the Civil Code, eviction without providing other housing is possible when the tenant fails to pay rent or utilities for three months, damages the premises or uses them for the wrong purpose.
What happens if I do not give a month's notice?
If the tenant leaves without timely notice, the landlord is entitled to compensation for losses — usually up to one month's rent. This sum is often deducted from the deposit, so giving written notice on time is in the tenant's own interest.
Can the landlord change the locks and remove my things?
No, self-help eviction is banned. A lawful eviction goes through the court, and the decision is enforced by a bailiff. A landlord who takes matters into their own hands can be held liable and have to compensate the tenant's losses.
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