Can I be evicted in winter in Hungary?
In winter generally no — but the moratorium is a reprieve, not an amnesty. The winter eviction moratorium runs 15 November to 30 April: during it, court bailiffs may not execute the clearing of residential property — even in legally closed cases. Important shades: the moratorium stops only the physical clearing — the lawsuit, the rest of enforcement and debt collection (wage garnishment, seizures) continue, and interest keeps ticking. And it doesn't protect everyone: squatters (arbitrary occupiers) are excluded, and the rule covers inhabited residential property. The full path is long anyway: the landlord's 'out tomorrow' threat is empty — eviction runs termination → court (or notarial deed) → bailiff; a notarised move-out undertaking shortens the court phase. If you're affected: family services and street-lawyer organisations involved early can save much.
📋 The key rules
- Moratorium: 15 Nov – 30 Apr — residential clearings can't be executed
- It stops only the clearing: collection, interest and proceedings continue
- Squatters are not protected
- Eviction only via: termination → court/notarial deed → bailiff
- The landlord's DIY lock-change is unlawful (possession protection applies)
🔓 Exceptions
- Notarised move-out undertakings skip the lawsuit phase — the moratorium still applies
- Voluntary move-out agreements are of course possible during the moratorium
- Squatters are outside the moratorium — clearing an arbitrarily occupied flat can proceed even in winter
⚠️ Penalties
A clearing executed against the moratorium is unlawful — and it is worth putting that to the bailiff in writing. The reverse, though, is the harsh part: the moratorium is no gift. Arrears grow with interest, garnishment and seizure run through the winter, and from 1 May the clearing can be scheduled at once — whoever breathes easy in February can find themselves on the street in May. Enforcement costs pile onto the debt too. Landlord self-justice (lock changes, tossing belongings) is a separate case: possession protection at the notary, plus damages.
📎 Official sources
- Hóvége · How long does the 2026 moratorium run? (HU) →
- Utcajogász (Street Lawyer) · The winter moratorium explained (HU) →
- Dr. Újváry · Exceptions to the eviction moratorium (HU) →
❓ Frequently asked questions
From when to when does the moratorium protect?
From 15 November to 30 April — during that window a bailiff may not clear residential property, even in a legally closed case. From 1 May clearings resume, and they can be scheduled without delay.
Does my debt freeze in winter too?
No — the moratorium halts only the physical clearing: collection (garnishment, seizure) and interest keep running. That is precisely why winter is the best time to reach a settlement with the creditor.
The landlord changed the locks and dumped my things. Lawful?
No — self-help eviction is unlawful: you can seek possession protection at the notary, which means being put back in, and damages on top. Only a bailiff can evict, at the end of the court route.
Does winter protect squatters too?
No — clearing an arbitrarily occupied flat is exempt from the moratorium and proceeds on a fast, non-litigious track even in winter. The protection covers lawfully inhabited residential property.
What do I do if the bailiff comes during the moratorium?
A clearing executed during the moratorium is unlawful — invoke it in writing and ask for a date after 30 April. Then use the reprieve to settle: from 1 May the clearing can be scheduled immediately.
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