Hungary Landlord-Tenant Law: 2026 Comprehensive Guide

The Hungarian residential rental market is primarily governed by Act V of 2013 on the Civil Code (effective since 15 March 2014) and Act LXXVIII of 1993 (the Housing Act). The short-term rental market is subject to regulations, including mandatory registration with the National Tourism Data Supply Centre (NTAK) as per Act CLVI of 2016 on State Tasks for Tourism Development. However, the provided legal sources do not specify a legislative moratorium on new short-term rental licenses in Budapest or any specific local ordinances for District VI regarding short-term rentals, nor do they detail the consequences of violating such ordinances.

1. Notarized Leases (The "Magic Weapon")

Due to slow civil courts, professional Hungarian landlords often rely on the közjegyzői okirat (Notarized Declaration).

• Enforceability: If the tenant signs a move-out declaration in front of a Notary Public, the landlord can, in practice, bypass the court process and send bailiffs directly for eviction in case of a contract breach.
• Cost: While it involves a notary fee, it is considered a viable way to protect large portfolios from non-paying tenants.

2. Rent Control and Increases

Hungary operates on a free-market basis for private residential rentals, with no statutory rent caps.

• Initial Rent: Freely negotiated.
• Indexation: Most contracts include an annual indexation clause linked to the HCSO (KSH) inflation rate to ensure yield protection without yearly renegotiation.

3. Security Deposits (Kaució)

• Industry Standard: 2 months' rent.
• Legal Ceiling: The legal ceiling for a security deposit is an amount equivalent to three months' rent. If a landlord demands more than this, the tenant can legally petition for a reduction.
• Purpose: The purpose of the security deposit is to cover unpaid rent, utility arrears, and property damage beyond ordinary wear and tear.

4. Maintenance Obligations

• Landlord: Responsible for the maintenance of the building, ensuring the constant operational condition of the central equipment of the building, and the elimination of defects in the condition of the common areas and their equipment. The landlord is also obliged to hand over the dwelling in a condition suitable for proper use.
• Tenant: In the absence of an agreement, the costs related to maintenance and renovation of the dwelling's coverings, doors, windows, and equipment are borne by the tenant, while the costs related to replacement and exchange are borne by the landlord. Detailed handover protocols with photographs are a recommended best practice for professional compliance.

5. Short-Term Rental Regulations

The National Tourism Data Supply Centre (NTAK) remains the mandatory registration platform for accommodation providers, catering establishments, and tourist attraction operators, requiring electronic registration before commencing activity. The provided legal sources do not contain information about a legislative moratorium on new short-term rental licenses specific to Budapest or any specific end date for such a freeze.