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Housing · Slovakia
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, Spotrebiteľské centrum — poradňa (spotrebitelskecentrum.sk) is the body that deals with rent and deposit disputes in Slovakia. For advice on what you can claim and what the landlord may deduct, Slovenská obchodná inšpekcia (SOI) (02 58 27 21 32). The last step is a small-claims or rent court, where you can usually go without a lawyer.

Under short-term tenancies the deposit is capped at three months' rent and must be returned within a month of handing back the flat.

Call firstSpotrebiteľské centrum — poradňa
Report toSlovenská obchodná inšpekcia (SOI)
If that failsOkresný súd — platobný rozkaz

🗣️ 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 Spotrebiteľské centrum — poradňa."

🪜 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 Slovenská obchodná inšpekcia (SOI) 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 Spotrebiteľské centrum — poradňaThe 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

Spotrebiteľské centrum — poradňaFree legal advice, mediationWhen the demand did not work🔗 www.spotrebitelskecentrum.sk
Slovenská obchodná inšpekcia (SOI)Advice on tenant rightsBefore you write, on deductions and deadlines📞 02 58 27 21 32🔗 www.soi.sk
Okresný súd — platobný rozkazPayment order procedure without a lawyerLast step, with a clear claim🔗 www.justice.gov.sk

❓ 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; Slovenská obchodná inšpekcia (SOI) knows the exact rule for Slovakia.

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

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

  • “landlord not returning deposit Slovakia”
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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

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

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