Can my landlord keep my deposit in Cyprus?
It depends: the landlord may keep the deposit only for specific lawful reasons. The standard deposit is 1 to 2 months' rent. Lawful deductions are only for unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, or outstanding communal charges the contract assigns to the tenant. The Rent Control Law (1983) protects "statutory" tenants in controlled areas. For controlled properties, rent increases are capped at a maximum 6% per two-year period (22 Apr 2025–21 Apr 2027). Disputes in ordinary tenancies go to the District Court; controlled ones to the Rent Control Court. In short: not arbitrarily.
📋 The rules
- Deposit usually 1–2 months' rent
- Deductions only for unpaid rent, damage, charges
- Controlled properties: increase max 6% per two years
- Increase only once every two years
- Disputes: District / Rent Control Court
🔓 Exceptions
- Statutory tenants: eviction only on specific grounds
- Many leases transfer communal fees to the tenant
- Self-help (changing locks, cutting utilities) is illegal
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Key numbers: deposit usually 1–2 months' rent; rent-control increase cap 6% per two-year period (2025–2027); rent must be more than 21 days overdue after written notice before that eviction ground applies; increases at most once every two years. From 2013 to 2023 the cap was held at 0%. Court eviction of a non-controlled tenant can take years. Beware a myth: "the landlord can keep my whole deposit just because I move out" is false — deductions must be justified (unpaid rent, real damage beyond wear and tear, or contractually-owed communal charges). Tip: document the property with photos at move-in/out and challenge unjustified retention.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Can the landlord keep my deposit?
Only for specific lawful reasons: unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, or outstanding communal charges the contract assigns to the tenant. Arbitrarily keeping the whole deposit just because you move out is unlawful.
How much deposit is usually asked?
The standard deposit is one to two months' rent, paid at signing. For luxury properties more may be asked. It's wise to document the property's condition with photos at move-in and move-out.
How much can the rent be raised?
For rent-controlled properties, increases are capped at a maximum 6% per two-year period for 22 April 2025 to 21 April 2027, under a Council of Ministers decree. An increase may be sought at most once every two years.
Where do I go for a rent dispute?
Disputes in ordinary tenancies, such as deposit retention, go to the District Court. Disputes over rent-controlled properties, such as fair rent or eviction, go to the specialist Rent Control Court.
Can the landlord evict me at will?
Not for statutory tenants. Eviction is allowed only on specific grounds, such as rent unpaid more than 21 days after written notice, nuisance or illegal use, or genuine owner self-occupation. Self-help, such as changing the locks, is illegal.
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