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Housing · Bulgaria
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, Комисия за защита на потребителите (КЗП) (0700 111 22) is the body that deals with rent and deposit disputes in Bulgaria. For advice on what you can claim and what the landlord may deduct, Асоциация „Активни потребители“ (aktivnipotrebiteli.bg). The last step is a small-claims or rent court, where you can usually go without a lawyer.

Call firstКомисия за защита на потребителите (КЗП)
Report toАсоциация „Активни потребители“
If that failsРайонен съд — заповед за изпълнение

🗣️ 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 Комисия за защита на потребителите (КЗП)."

🪜 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 Асоциация „Активни потребители“ 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 Комисия за защита на потребителите (КЗП)The 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

Комисия за защита на потребителите (КЗП)Complaints on tenancies with professional landlordsWhen the demand did not work📞 0700 111 22🔗 kzp.bg/podavane-na-zhalba
Асоциация „Активни потребители“Free advice, template lettersBefore you write, on deductions and deadlines🔗 aktivnipotrebiteli.bg
Районен съд — заповед за изпълнениеOrder for payment without a lawyerLast step, with a clear claim🔗 www.justice.government.bg

❓ 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; Асоциация „Активни потребители“ knows the exact rule for Bulgaria.

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 Bulgaria”
  • “rental deposit dispute Bulgaria”
  • “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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