Lithuania Landlord-Tenant Laws: Complete Guide for Property Owners

Renting property in Lithuania is governed by the Civil Code of the Republic of Lithuania (Book Six), which establishes a clear framework for residential leases. Understanding these regulations is essential for landlords and property managers operating in Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda, and throughout the nation.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general legal information for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Landlord-tenant laws change and individual circumstances vary. Always consult a licensed attorney in Lithuania for advice specific to your situation. Information last verified: March 2026.

Key Lithuania Rental Laws at a Glance

Security Deposits

Lithuanian law does not explicitly cap security deposit amounts. In practice, landlords typically require a deposit equal to one or two months' rent to protect against property damage or unpaid utility bills. The deposit must be returned at the end of the tenancy, minus any legitimate deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear.

It is highly recommended to complete a Handover Protocol upon move-in and move-out to prevent disputes over deposit deductions.

For more detail, see our Security Deposits deep dive.

Rent Control and Increases

Lithuania does not have strict municipal rent control laws dictating maximum rental rates. Rent amounts are determined by the free market and mutual agreement between landlord and tenant. However, the Civil Code provides that rent can generally be adjusted no more than once a year (once every 12 months).

Any rent increase should be explicitly addressed in the lease agreement, including the notice period (typically 1 to 3 months) before the increase takes effect.

For more detail, see our Rent Increases guide.

Eviction Procedures

Eviction in Lithuania must strictly follow legal procedures; "self-help" evictions (like changing the locks) are strictly prohibited.

• Fixed-Term Leases: Terminate automatically on the agreed date unless both parties agree to renew. If a tenant refuses to leave, the landlord must obtain a court order.
• Indefinite Leases: The landlord can terminate an indefinite lease by providing 6 months' written notice, unless the contract specifies a different timeframe.
• Eviction with Cause: If the tenant breaches the lease (e.g., non-payment of rent, damaging property), the landlord can terminate the agreement early but must provide written notice and potentially a cure period before seeking court-ordered eviction.

For more detail, see our Eviction Process guide.

Required Disclosures and Lease Requirements

Oral agreements are recognized in some instances, but it is standard and strongly encouraged to have a written lease agreement. If the landlord is a legal entity, a written contract is mandatory. Registering the lease with the Real Estate Registry (Registrų centras) provides stronger protection for both parties.

Landlords must disclose any known defects in the property before the lease is signed. Failing to do so can give the tenant the right to terminate the agreement or demand a rent reduction.

For more detail, see our Required Disclosures and Lease Requirements guides.

Maintenance and Habitability

The landlord is obligated to hand over the property in a state suitable for living and is responsible for major repairs during the tenancy unless otherwise agreed. Tenants are generally responsible for minor, everyday maintenance and reporting damages promptly.

For more detail, see our Maintenance Obligations guide.

Late Fees

Late fees (default interest) must be specifically agreed upon in the lease contract. Market standard is typically between 0.02% to 0.05% per day of the delayed amount. If not specified in the contract, statutory interest rates may apply, though these can be harder to enforce without a clear contractual clause.

For more detail, see our Late Fees guide.

Getting Started with Compliance

Managing compliance in Lithuania's rental market requires organized documentation and adherence to the Civil Code. Landager helps landlords track their compliance status, manage lease terms securely, and stay updated when regulations evolve.

Explore more Lithuania compliance topics:

• Security Deposits
• Eviction Process
• Required Disclosures
• Rent Increases
• Lease Requirements
• Maintenance Obligations
• Late Fees