Question 1

What is the average cost of renting an apartment in Budapest?

Accepted Answer

The average rental price for an apartment in Budapest is 362630 HUF per month. Prices for rental apartments in Budapest range from 160 HUF to 59900000 HUF — the difference is mainly determined by location (city center vs. suburbs), apartment size, condition, and whether it is furnished. In the most popular neighborhoods and renovated properties, higher prices are to be expected; choosing outer districts or the surrounding area can significantly reduce monthly expenses.

Question 2

How high can the monthly utility bill be in rental apartments in Budapest?

Accepted Answer

For rental apartments in Budapest, monthly utilities generally amount to around 20,000–40,000 HUF, but during the heating season (October–April) they can rise to as much as 60,000–80,000 HUF. The main cost items: 1. Gas: 10,000–30,000 HUF/month, higher in season;
2. Electricity: 8,000–15,000 HUF/month, meter-based;
3. Water and sewage: 3,000–6,000 HUF/month;
4. Common charges: 5,000–20,000 HUF/month;
5. Internet: 4,000–8,000 HUF/month. When browsing rental apartment listings in Budapest, always check whether utilities are included in the rental price — this can significantly affect the actual monthly expense.

Question 3

How much does heating cost in winter for a rental apartment in Budapest?

Accepted Answer

For rental apartments in Budapest, heating is one of the largest expenses in winter: during the heating season (October–April), the average cost is 15,000–50,000 HUF/month, depending on the heating system, apartment size, and energy rating.
The most common heating solutions and their winter costs:
1. Gas boiler individual heating – 20,000–50,000 HUF/month; the most common solution in rental apartments in Budapest;
2. District heating – 15,000–40,000 HUF/month; typical in panel buildings and larger apartment buildings, the fee is usually included in the common charges;
3. Heat pump system – 10,000–25,000 HUF/month; found in newer apartments;
4. Electric heating – 25,000–60,000 HUF/month; the least economical solution.
Heating costs by energy rating:
- AA++–BB class (modern, newly built apartments): 8,000–20,000 HUF/month;
- CC–DD class (average, renovated apartments): 20,000–40,000 HUF/month;
- EE–GG class (old, uninsulated buildings): 40,000–70,000 HUF/month.
Displaying an energy certificate in rental apartment listings in Budapest is mandatory — this provides a good indication of expected heating costs. If it is not included in the listing, request the document before signing the contract.

Question 4

What hidden costs should be expected when looking for a rental apartment in Budapest?

Accepted Answer

In addition to the rental price of apartments in Budapest, a number of other expenses should be taken into account. At move-in, one-time costs can amount to the equivalent of 2–4 months' rent; on a monthly basis, additional costs of 30,000–100,000 HUF beyond utilities can arise.
One-time move-in costs:
1. Security deposit: typically 2 months' rent;
2. First month's rent: payable in advance;
3. Notary fee (for fixed-term contracts): approx. 15,000–30,000 HUF.
Recurring costs on top of rent:
1. Utilities (gas, electricity, water): 20,000–60,000 HUF/month;
2. Common charges: 5,000–20,000 HUF/month;
3. Waste collection: 1,000–3,000 HUF/month, if not included in the common charges;
4. Internet: 4,000–8,000 HUF/month;
5. Parking: 10,000–30,000 HUF/month, if not included with the apartment;
6. Home insurance: 3,000–8,000 HUF/month.
When browsing rental apartments in Budapest, always request a written breakdown of all charges, and read through the contract item by item before signing.

Question 5

How much is the security deposit usually, and will I get it back when renting an apartment in Budapest?

Accepted Answer

When renting an apartment in Budapest, the landlord typically requires a security deposit equivalent to 1–3 months' rent — the most common is a 2-month deposit, which must be paid at the time of signing the contract. For long-term rentals directly from landlords in Budapest, a higher deposit of 2–3 months is more common.
The deposit covers:
- damage caused to the property or furnishings;
- unpaid rent or utility arrears;
- losses resulting from early termination of the contract.
You will get it back, provided that:
- no damage has occurred to the property;
- all rent and utility payments have been settled;
- the keys have been returned on time.
The landlord has 30 days by law to process the refund, calculated from the date the keys are returned. A handover report protects the interests of both parties — it is advisable to prepare one both at move-in and move-out.

Question 6

How long is the contract typically for rental apartments in Budapest?

Accepted Answer

For rental apartments in Budapest, the most common contract is a fixed-term 1-year agreement, which can be extended by mutual consent. For long-term rentals, 2–3 year contracts also occur and can result in more favorable terms for extended stays.
Contract types:
1. Fixed-term – the most common; the rental relationship automatically ends on the expiry date if the parties do not renew it;
2. Open-ended – more flexible, but can be terminated by either party; the notice period is generally 30–90 days;
3. Short-term (3–6 months) – less common, may come with a higher rental price.
For rental apartments in Budapest rented directly from landlords without an agent, the contract terms can be negotiated more flexibly — the duration, notice period, and the extent of any rent increases are always worth discussing in advance and setting out in writing.

Question 7

What documents does the landlord request for rental apartments in Budapest?

Accepted Answer

For rental apartments in Budapest — particularly for long-term rentals — the landlord is entitled to request basic documents to verify the tenant's identity and financial capacity.
Identity documents:
- ID card or passport;
- Address card.
Income verification documents:
- Employer's income certificate or employment contract;
- Bank statements for the last 3 months;
- For self-employed individuals: a NAV certificate of no outstanding tax liabilities.
Other commonly requested documents:
- Social security card (TAJ) and tax card — required for address registration;
- Reference from a previous landlord — not mandatory, but an advantage.
For rental apartments in Budapest rented from private landlords, the requirements may be more flexible, but the basic documents are almost always requested. The landlord is obliged to handle any collected data in accordance with GDPR.

Question 8

Are there furnished apartments available for rent in Budapest?

Accepted Answer

Yes, furnished apartments are available for rent in Budapest — the market offers fully furnished, partially furnished, and unfurnished options alike. For long-term rentals, partially furnished apartments are the most common. For rental apartment listings in Budapest rented directly from landlords without an agent, the terms can be arranged individually.
Fully furnished rental apartment:
- Bed, wardrobe, nightstand;
- Sofa, coffee table, dining set;
- Fully equipped kitchen: refrigerator, stove or cooktop, oven, microwave;
- Washing machine, sometimes dishwasher;
- Internet connection, sometimes cable TV.
Typically offered for shorter or medium-term rentals, with a rental price 15–25% higher than unfurnished.
Partially furnished rental apartment:
- Kitchen appliances (refrigerator, stove);
- Some basic furniture (wardrobe, sometimes a bed);
- Sometimes a washing machine.
The most common option for long-term rentals — the tenant can bring their own furniture, and existing items can be removed by agreement with the landlord.
Unfurnished (empty) apartment:
- Only the built-in kitchen cabinets remain, without appliances;
- Sometimes lighting fixtures and blinds are not included either.
Typical for longer contracts of 1–3 years; the tenant furnishes it according to their own preferences. The rental price for apartments in Budapest is the lowest in this case — in exchange, the one-time cost of furnishing is borne by the tenant.

Question 9

What is the best time to look for rental apartments in Budapest?

Accepted Answer

The best time to look for a rental apartment in Budapest is between October and February, when demand decreases, supply improves, and landlords are more flexible on price and contract terms. On average, it takes 2–6 weeks to find the right apartment — this depends on the season, the district, and the type of apartment.
Seasonal trends:
- January–February: low demand, good supply — average search time 1–3 weeks;
- March–May: increasing demand, still adequate supply — 2–4 weeks;
- June–August: most contracts expire during this period, demand increases; good apartments are taken within 24–48 hours — 4–8 weeks;
- September: peak season due to university enrollments and job changes — strong competition, quick decisions required;
- October–December: less competition, better negotiating position — 1–3 weeks.
What speeds up the process:
- Preparing documents in advance (ID card, income certificate, bank statements);
- Responding to listings on the same day;
- Being flexible about the district or floor.
Set up alerts on Rentola to be notified immediately of new rental apartment listings in Budapest.

Question 10

Who is responsible for maintenance in rental apartments in Budapest?

Accepted Answer

When renting an apartment in Budapest, maintenance responsibilities are shared between the landlord and the tenant — this is set out in the rental contract.
Landlord's responsibilities:
- Handing over and maintaining the apartment in a habitable condition;
- Repairing structural defects (roof, walls, doors and windows);
- Resolving failures in heating, plumbing, and electrical systems;
- Replacing high-value appliances (boiler, water heater).
Tenant's responsibilities:
- Carrying out minor repairs (replacing faucets, locks, light bulbs);
- Keeping the apartment clean and using it for its intended purpose;
- Notifying the landlord immediately in case of a major breakdown;
- Compensating for damages caused by the tenant.
When renting an apartment in Budapest, a handover report is essential — this documents the condition of the apartment at move-in and protects both parties in the event of a dispute during a long-term rental.

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