You may need a registered address even when you rent: for work, the doctor, official letters, your child's school. But a rental contract alone isn't enough, and many landlords are reluctant. Here's how the address types differ, and how to talk it through with your landlord.
You need the owner's consent
To register an address (lakcímbejelentés), you need the consent of the person providing the accommodation, usually the owner. A landlord isn't obliged to agree, so discuss it in advance.
If your landlord isn't the owner, for example a property manager or a tenant who sublets, the consent has to come from the owner or whoever is entitled to give it. In that case, ask who will sign.
Permanent address or temporary address
Your permanent address (lakóhely) is where you officially live. Your temporary address (tartózkodási hely) is where you stay for a longer period without moving there for good. Many renters register a temporary address.
In practice, the difference is:
- Permanent address: you can only have one. If you register here, your previous permanent address ends.
- Temporary address: you register it on top of your permanent address, for the period stated in the registration. Your permanent address stays, for example at your parents'.
For most things, such as your GP, your employer or official letters, a temporary address is enough. For school catchment areas, parking permits or some benefits, it can matter which address is where. Check up front what you need it for.
Why are landlords reluctant?
The most common worry is that the tenant won't deregister after moving out, and a stranger's name stays linked to the flat. This can be sorted out with the authorities, but it takes time. Another common reason is that the owner doesn't want anyone else in the register for the flat, for example because they may sell later.
That's why it helps to agree on a few things up front:
- It's a temporary address, for the length of the contract.
- You'll deregister when you move out, and you commit to that in writing.
- The consent is attached to the contract as an annex.
How do you register?
You can register at a government office (kormányablak) or online on magyarorszag.hu. You'll need an ID document and the accommodation provider's consent. Check the exact process and the form you need at the government office or on magyarorszag.hu, as the rules can change.
Ask at the viewing
This is one of the questions on our viewing checklist. If the landlord agrees, put it in the contract too.
If registering matters to you, for example for a job or an official matter, don't leave it until after you move in. A "we'll sort it out later" can easily turn into a no.
When you move out
When you move, register your new address. That way your official mail doesn't keep going to the old flat. If it was a temporary address, you can deregister or wait for the registered period to end. The fair thing is not to leave it to the owner.
FAQ
Can the landlord refuse to let me register?
Yes, consent isn't mandatory. That's why it's worth clearing up before you sign the contract.
What happens if the tenant doesn't deregister?
The owner can ask the authorities to invalidate the address if the tenant no longer actually lives there. This involves a procedure, so it's better to agree on deregistering in advance.
Can my partner register too if we rent together?
Yes, if the accommodation provider consents for both of you. If only one of you is on the contract, talk it through with the landlord.
Rentkey
You can also ask Rentkey's Legal Assistant about address registration. It gives general information in plain language and helps you word your message to the landlord.
