My landlord gave me notice to leave — is it valid, and who helps?
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. Savjetovališta za zaštitu potrošača (szp.hr) checks the notice for free and represents tenants; Centar za mirenje HGK (hgk.hr) decides disputes about validity and can extend the tenancy on hardship grounds; Besplatna pravna pomoć (upravni odjel županije) / pravne klinike (pravosudje.gov.hr) is your free legal aid if it reaches court.
🗣️ 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 Centar za mirenje HGK / the court."
🪜 Step by step
- Do not leave, keep payingLeaving on an invalid notice forfeits your rights; not paying gives them a valid ground.
- Check ground, form, periodSale of the property, own use, renovation, arrears — each has conditions and a minimum period. Savjetovališta za zaštitu potrošača checks it in one appointment.
- Object in writingWithin any objection deadline on the notice. State that you do not accept and why.
- Hardship extension: Centar za mirenje HGKAge, illness, children in school, no alternative housing — many countries let the board or court extend or refuse the eviction.
- Court and legal aid: Besplatna pravna pomoć (upravni odjel županije) / pravne klinikeOnly a court order plus a bailiff can remove you. Legal aid covers tenants on low income.
📇 All contacts
❓ Frequently asked
The landlord changed the locks
That is illegal in every EU country. Call the police, document it, and Savjetovališta za zaštitu potrošača 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
- Savjetovališta za zaštitu potrošača →
- Centar za mirenje HGK →
- Besplatna pravna pomoć (upravni odjel županije) / pravne klinike →
- Javni bilježnik — platni nalog / općinski sud →
🔎 Common searches
Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.
- “eviction notice valid Croatia”
- “landlord wants me out tenant rights”
- “notice period tenant Croatia”
- “landlord changed locks illegal”
- “stop eviction hardship”
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