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Housing · Lithuania
Updated September 2026

🔑 My landlord won't return my deposit — who do I go to?

Direct answer

First a written demand to the landlord with a deadline (14 days is normal) and your bank details — most deposits come back at this stage. If nothing happens, VVTAT — vartojimo ginčai (8 5 262 6751) is the body that deals with rent and deposit disputes in Lithuania. For advice on what you can claim and what the landlord may deduct, Lietuvos vartotojų organizacijų aljansas (vartotojualjansas.lt). The last step is a small-claims or rent court, where you can usually go without a lawyer.

Call firstVVTAT — vartojimo ginčai
Report toLietuvos vartotojų organizacijų aljansas
If that failsApylinkės teismas — teismo įsakymas

🗣️ What to say

"My tenancy at [address] ended on [date]. The deposit of €… has not been returned and I have received no itemised deductions. I request the full amount within 14 days to [IBAN]. Otherwise I will take it to VVTAT — vartojimo ginčai."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Write, don't callA dated letter or e-mail with the amount, the end date, your bank details and a 14-day deadline. Keep proof of sending.
  2. Collect evidenceThe signed contract, the move-in and move-out inspection reports, photos with dates, and the proof you paid the deposit.
  3. Ask Lietuvos vartotojų organizacijų aljansas what appliesWhich deductions are allowed (unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear) and what is not (repainting, normal wear, cleaning that was not agreed).
  4. File with VVTAT — vartojimo ginčaiThe rent dispute body or deposit scheme handles this without a lawyer and usually within weeks.
  5. Court as last resortSmall-claims procedures exist for exactly this amount range; the landlord usually pays the costs if you win.

📇 All contacts

VVTAT — vartojimo ginčaiFree dispute resolution with professional landlordsWhen the demand did not work📞 8 5 262 6751🔗 www.vvtat.lt/vartotojams/vartojimo-gincai
Lietuvos vartotojų organizacijų aljansasFree advice, template lettersBefore you write, on deductions and deadlines🔗 www.vartotojualjansas.lt
Apylinkės teismas — teismo įsakymasCourt order without a lawyerLast step, with a clear claim🔗 www.teismai.lt

❓ Frequently asked

How long may the landlord take?

It varies by country, but "a reasonable time" after a final inspection is usually a few weeks; Lietuvos vartotojų organizacijų aljansas knows the exact rule for Lithuania.

Can the landlord keep it for repainting?

Not for normal wear and tear. Damage beyond normal use, unpaid rent or bills, and cleaning you agreed to do can be deducted — itemised, with receipts.

I have no written contract

You still have a tenancy and still get the deposit back. Bank transfers, messages and witnesses prove the agreement.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “landlord not returning deposit Lithuania”
  • “rental deposit dispute Lithuania”
  • “get deposit back”
  • “deposit deductions allowed”
  • “rent tribunal deposit”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

🔊Noisy neighbours→🔧Landlord won't repair→🦠Mould or damp→📈Rent increase→

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