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Housing · Estonia
Updated September 2026

🚪 My landlord gave me notice to leave — is it valid, and who helps?

Direct answer

A landlord can only end a tenancy on the grounds the law lists, in writing, with the legal notice period, and in most countries only a court can actually evict you. A notice by text message, or "because I want to", is usually void. Do not move out on the strength of a letter. TTJA — tarbijanõustamine (620 1707) checks the notice for free and represents tenants; Üürikomisjon (Tallinn) / maakohus (640 4325) decides disputes about validity and can extend the tenancy on hardship grounds; Riigi õigusabi (Advokatuur) / HUGO.legal tasuta õigusnõu (600 0230) is your free legal aid if it reaches court.

Call firstTTJA — tarbijanõustamine
Report toÜürikomisjon (Tallinn) / maakohus
If that failsRiigi õigusabi (Advokatuur) / HUGO.legal tasuta õigusnõu

🗣️ What to say

"I received your notice of [date] ending the tenancy of [address] on [date]. I do not accept it: [no legal ground / period too short / not in the required form]. I will remain in the property and continue to pay the rent. Any further step must go through Üürikomisjon (Tallinn) / maakohus / the court."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Do not leave, keep payingLeaving on an invalid notice forfeits your rights; not paying gives them a valid ground.
  2. Check ground, form, periodSale of the property, own use, renovation, arrears — each has conditions and a minimum period. TTJA — tarbijanõustamine checks it in one appointment.
  3. Object in writingWithin any objection deadline on the notice. State that you do not accept and why.
  4. Hardship extension: Üürikomisjon (Tallinn) / maakohusAge, illness, children in school, no alternative housing — many countries let the board or court extend or refuse the eviction.
  5. Court and legal aid: Riigi õigusabi (Advokatuur) / HUGO.legal tasuta õigusnõuOnly a court order plus a bailiff can remove you. Legal aid covers tenants on low income.

📇 All contacts

TTJA — tarbijanõustamineAdvice on tenant rights, template lettersBefore you write, on deductions and deadlines📞 620 1707🔗 ttja.ee/eraklient/tarbijakaitse
Üürikomisjon (Tallinn) / maakohusResolves tenancy disputes without fees or a lawyerWhen the demand did not work📞 640 4325🔗 www.tallinn.ee/et/uurikomisjon
Riigi õigusabi (Advokatuur) / HUGO.legal tasuta õigusnõuState legal aid on low income; free first adviceWhen you cannot afford a lawyer📞 600 0230🔗 www.advokatuur.ee/est/riigi-oigusabi
Maakohus — maksekäsu kiirmenetlusExpedited procedure without a lawyerLast step, with a clear claim🔗 www.kohus.ee/kohtusse-poordujale/maksekasu-kiirmenetlus

❓ Frequently asked

The landlord changed the locks

That is illegal in every EU country. Call the police, document it, and TTJA — tarbijanõustamine will get you back in and claim damages.

I am behind on rent

Arrears are a valid ground, but paying up before the hearing stops most evictions. Talk to debt advice the same week.

They say they need the flat for family

"Own use" requires a genuine, provable need and the full notice period; a sham own-use claim entitles you to compensation.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

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

  • “eviction notice valid Estonia”
  • “landlord wants me out tenant rights”
  • “notice period tenant Estonia”
  • “landlord changed locks illegal”
  • “stop eviction hardship”

🧭 Is this still correct?

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