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Hungary · Housing & Relocation

Renting in Hungary

Partially verified Last verified June 15, 2026 Reviewed by Henry van de Vorming

In Hungary, most long-term rentals are arranged on a written 12-month lease, with the market concentrated in Budapest where listings split between furnished and unfurnished units. Newcomers search mainly on Hungarian portals (ingatlan.com, alberlet.hu) and, for furnished mid-term stays, on international platforms, and must register their residential address with the authorities within days of moving in.

The rental basics

Typical lease
1 year
Deposit
2 mo rent
Furnished
Furnished + unfurnished
Mid-term market
Moderate mid-term market
Address registration
Required

Agency fee: When a real-estate agent is involved, the agency/broker commission is customarily paid by the landlord, so the agent's service is typically free for the tenant; the landlord's fee is usually about one month's rent. Terms are negotiable, so confirm any fees in writing before signing.

Address registration

Residents must register their residential address with the authorities under Act LXVI of 1992, receiving an address card (lakcímkártya) that proves residency and is needed for banking, healthcare and other administration. A permanent address (lakóhely) is to be reported within 3 working days of moving; a stay of over 3 months at a temporary address is registered within 15 days. Registration requires the property owner's consent.

Your rights as a tenant

Residential leases are governed by the Hungarian Civil Code together with the Housing/Lease Act (Act LXXVIII of 1993), and are enforceable regardless of the tenant's nationality. Hungary operates a free-market system with no general rent-control cap (caps have only been discussed), but rent can only be raised during a tenancy if the contract includes an indexation clause (értékkövetési záradék); many professional leases include such annual indexation tied to Central Statistical Office (KSH) inflation figures for forint leases.

Good to know

  • Agent fees are normally paid by the landlord, so using an estate agent is usually free for the tenant.
  • Hungarian portals ingatlan.com and alberlet.hu carry the bulk of long-term listings, with English-friendly mid-term furnished options on HousingAnywhere and Flatio.
  • Both furnished and unfurnished apartments are widely available, especially in Budapest, giving newcomers flexibility (furnished units carry roughly a 15-25% rent premium).
  • A validly signed lease is enforceable under the Civil Code and the Housing/Lease Act regardless of your visa or nationality.

Watch out for

  • Address registration is a legal obligation with tight deadlines (permanent address within 3 working days; temporary stays over 3 months within 15 days) and needs the owner's consent, so confirm the landlord will allow it before signing.
  • Rental scams have risen: never transfer a deposit or money before signing a written contract, and beware 'time-pressure' tactics and fake agents demanding upfront payment.
  • Deposits of 2-3 months are common (3 months for furnished flats or with pets), and many professional leases include KSH inflation-indexation clauses that can raise rent annually.
  • Budapest's restrictions on short-term lets (a citywide moratorium on new short-term-rental licenses and a full District VI / Terezvaros ban from January 2026) are shifting inventory toward long-term leases, which can tighten short-stay options.

Where to look

ingatlan.comalberlet.hurealestatehungary.huHousingAnywhereFlatio

Platforms are listed for orientation only — we don't endorse or rank them.

Renting in Hungary: FAQ

Renting in Hungary: FAQ

How much deposit do I need to rent in Hungary?

Landlords typically ask for around 2 months of rent as a security deposit, on top of the first month upfront, plus any agency fee (when a real-estate agent is involved, the agency/broker commission is customarily paid by the landlord, so the agent's service is typically free for the tenant; the landlord's fee is usually about one month's rent. terms are negotiable, so confirm any fees in writing before signing.). Budget for that as a lump sum before you arrive.

Do I have to register my address in Hungary?

Yes — Residents must register their residential address with the authorities under Act LXVI of 1992, receiving an address card (lakcímkártya) that proves residency and is needed for banking, healthcare and other administration. A permanent address (lakóhely) is to be reported within 3 working days of moving; a stay of over 3 months at a temporary address is registered within 15 days. Registration requires the property owner's consent.

Can I find furnished or short-term rentals in Hungary?

Furnished + unfurnished and the mid-term market nomads rely on is moderate mid-term market. Start your search on ingatlan.com, alberlet.hu, realestatehungary.hu.

Sources