How to Get Your Deposit Back After the End of a Rental Period?

In Cyprus, many tenants face the problem of landlords not returning their deposits. Both local and Russian-speaking property owners often withhold the deposit, which is frequently doubled. We understand how frustrating this can be.

Based on recommendations from our legal expert, we have compiled a few tips:

According to the law of Northern Cyprus, landlords have the right to withhold 1 to 2 months’ rent as a deposit to protect their property. For short-term rentals, such as a week, the deposit for a 1+1 apartment can be €100-200.

The deposit serves as security for the landlord in case of damage not related to normal wear and tear and unpaid utility bills at the end of the rental period. We recommend specifying these details in the contract.

When returning the rented property, the landlord or their agent should inspect it for damage and, if any, provide you with an estimate of the repair costs.

Tip: Create a video report of the property’s condition upon moving in. If you find any issues during your stay (e.g., a broken kettle), immediately notify the landlord in writing.

There may be difficulties with utility payments, as the final bill may not be ready by the time you move out. In this situation, the landlord may withhold the deposit as a guarantee of payment.

Another Tip: Take photos of the meter readings when you move in and send them to the landlord. This will help avoid misunderstandings when calculating utility bills.

To ensure you get your deposit back, ask the landlord to return it when you hand over the keys. Although it depends on the landlord’s honesty, specify the conditions for returning the deposit in the contract in advance, including the return date, preferably on the day you move out.

If the landlord starts to conflict and refuses to return your deposit, we recommend recording the property’s condition upon moving out on video. Ideally, ask them to sign a receipt confirming they have no claims against you. If the situation cannot be resolved amicably, having such evidence and a rental agreement will help you in court. However, we hope it doesn’t come to that.

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