How much deposit can a landlord ask in Hungary?
Whatever you agree — but courts can cut deposits above three months' rent. Hungarian law sets no carved-in-stone deposit cap: the amount is a matter of contract, with market custom at 1–2 months' rent. Under the Civil Code's residential-lease rules, though, if the agreed deposit exceeds three months' rent, the court may reduce it at the tenant's request — three-plus months isn't banned, but it's attackable. The deposit is security: on move-out a settlement is due, and the landlord may withhold only proven damage, unpaid rent or utility arrears — 'it's worn, I'm keeping it' is not a legal ground. Practical self-defence: a handover protocol with photos at move-in and move-out, and the deposit's amount fixed in the written lease. The Civil Code names no refund deadline — after settlement it's due without delay.
📋 The key rules
- No statutory cap — custom is 1–2 months' rent
- Deposits above 3 months' rent can be reduced by the court on the tenant's request
- Move-out triggers a settlement duty — the remainder comes back
- Withholding only for proven damage, rent or utility arrears
- Self-defence: written deposit clause + handover protocol with photos
🔓 Exceptions
- Normal wear and tear (faded paint, aged fittings) can't be deducted
- Notarised lease deeds change eviction disputes, not the settlement principle
⚠️ Penalties
A wrongfully withheld deposit is a civil claim: demand letter, then order-for-payment or lawsuit — with interest. Court reduction of 3-months-plus deposits happens on the tenant's request.
📎 Official sources
- Ingatlan.com Knowledge Base · Deposits for tenants and landlords (HU) →
- E-ingatlanügyvédek · Deposit or security in residential leases (HU) →
- Bérletiszerződésem.hu · How much deposit and when is it returned? (HU) →
❓ Frequently asked questions
Is a 3-month deposit lawful?
It can be agreed, but under the Civil Code the tenant may ask the court to reduce any deposit exceeding three months' rent — the market standard is 1–2 months.
When do I get the deposit back?
After move-out and settlement — no statutory deadline exists, but unjustified delay becomes unlawful withholding and grounds interest claims.
Can the landlord deduct repainting?
Only for actual tenant-caused damage — normal wear (faded walls) is the landlord's burden, not a deposit ground.
Deposit vs 'óvadék' — any difference?
The everyday 'kaució' is legally óvadék (security deposit): money handled under the Civil Code's security rules, from which the landlord may only satisfy proven claims.
🔎 What people actually search
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