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Housing · Romania
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, ANPC — Autoritatea Națională pentru Protecția Consumatorilor (021 9551) is the body that deals with rent and deposit disputes in Romania. For advice on what you can claim and what the landlord may deduct, InfoCons — asociație de consumatori (infocons.ro). The last step is a small-claims or rent court, where you can usually go without a lawyer.

Call firstANPC — Autoritatea Națională pentru Protecția Consumatorilor
Report toInfoCons — asociație de consumatori
If that failsJudecătoria — cerere cu valoare redusă

🗣️ 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 ANPC — Autoritatea Națională pentru Protecția Consumatorilor."

🪜 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 InfoCons — asociație de consumatori 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 ANPC — Autoritatea Națională pentru Protecția ConsumatorilorThe 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

ANPC — Autoritatea Națională pentru Protecția ConsumatorilorComplaints on tenancy contracts with professionalsWhen the demand did not work📞 021 9551🔗 anpc.ro/ce-este-anpc
InfoCons — asociație de consumatoriFree advice, template lettersBefore you write, on deductions and deadlines🔗 infocons.ro
Judecătoria — cerere cu valoare redusăSimplified procedure without a lawyer, under RON 10,000Last step, with a clear claim🔗 portal.just.ro

❓ 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; InfoCons — asociație de consumatori knows the exact rule for Romania.

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 Romania”
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🧭 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

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