The rent is late. No need to assume the worst straight away, but it pays to go step by step, in writing. The goal isn't punishment: it's to get the money in, or if that fails, to settle things with as little loss as possible.
Talk to them first
Often it's a temporary problem: a late salary, a job change, an unexpected bill that blew the monthly budget. A short, calm conversation tells you how much time they need, and whether that's realistic.
If you agree on instalments, write that down too: how much, when, and what happens if a payment is missed. Even an agreement in a message is better than nothing.
Watch for the signs. If the tenant doesn't pick up, dodges the question, or is late several months in a row, it's no longer a temporary problem. Then don't wait any longer to take the next step.
A reminder, then a formal written demand
If it isn't sorted, send a written demand for payment. It should include:
- the amount owed and the months it covers,
- what it's for, i.e. rent or utilities,
- a realistic deadline for payment,
- and what happens if the deadline passes without payment.
Send it in a way that lets you prove it was received later. That can be a registered letter with return receipt, or an electronic channel you named for communication in the lease.
Termination
You can terminate a residential lease for late payment, but strict rules apply. Usually you first have to send the tenant a written demand, set a deadline, and warn them of the consequences. If the deadline passes without payment, the termination also has to be given in writing, within a set time. A formal mistake can make the termination invalid, so ask a lawyer about the exact steps.
Important: even after termination, you can't evict the tenant yourself. You can't change the locks, cut off the utilities, or remove their belongings. These are unlawful, and in the end they cause you bigger trouble. Getting the flat vacated goes through the authorities or the courts, or, if you have a notarial deed, you can request enforcement directly on that basis.
We cover the form and deadlines of termination in a separate article.
Order for payment
For a money claim, you can apply to a notary for an order for payment (fizetési meghagyás). It's usually faster and cheaper than a lawsuit. For overdue money claims under HUF 3 million, this is the default route. If the tenant doesn't object, the order becomes final and you can request enforcement. If they object, the case turns into a lawsuit.
You can file the order for payment electronically. There's a fee, which depends on the amount claimed. The deposit matters a lot at this point: whatever it covers, you don't have to collect.
What to deduct from the deposit
The deposit is there for exactly this kind of situation. You can legitimately cover unpaid rent and utilities from it, but send the settlement in writing, itemised. What exactly it can be used for is in our article on deposits.
Prevent it
- Screen the tenant before they move in.
- Ask for an adequate deposit.
- Consider a notarial deed.
- Set the payment day and the consequences of late payment in the lease.
- Check payments monthly, not quarterly. One month late is still easy to sort out, three is much harder.
FAQ
How many days late before I can act?
You can send a reminder after the very first late payment. Termination, though, comes with formal rules, so don't rush it, and get legal help.
Can I cut off the electricity if they don't pay?
No. Cutting off utilities yourself is unlawful, even if the tenant owes you money.
Can I keep the tenant's belongings against the debt?
Don't. The tenant's belongings are theirs, and holding them back yourself can cause legal problems. Pursue the debt through legal channels.
Rentkey
Rentkey flags late payments, so you see in time when a payment is missing. On the Debt collection page you can see how we help you recover what's owed.
