Hungarian residential tenancies require a written agreement
In Hungary, a residential tenancy must be agreed in writing to be valid under section 2(5) of Act LXXVIII of 1993. A direct letting by a landlord and a subletting by an existing tenant are different arrangements; for subletting, check the separate rules and the landlord’s consent. This checklist concerns residential tenancies in Hungary, rather than the law of every English-speaking country.
Identify the parties and property
Record the necessary party and property information, tenancy period and possession date. Make ownership and representation clear, especially with joint owners or multiple tenants.
- Parties and authority to act.
- Property, equipment and use conditions.
- Duration, handover and contact arrangements.
Separate rent, deposit and utilities
Specify amount, currency, due date and payment method. Track the deposit separately. Explain whether utilities follow measured consumption or an agreed fixed amount; their administration and tax treatment may differ.
Document the actual handover
Prepare an inventory, condition notes, dated readings, keys and photographs. Review the same items at return. The contract assistant can prepare a draft from supported templates; final wording, signatures and legal review remain separate tasks.
Deposit use and the final settlement
Specify which claims the deposit secures, how any deduction is documented and when the remaining balance is settled. Do not automatically treat it as the final month’s rent. At move-out, reconcile outstanding charges, condition, utility bills not yet received and amounts already refunded separately. The legal basis for a particular deduction must be checked against the agreement and applicable law.