Как вернуть депозит в Сербии: пошаговая инструкция для арендаторов
Renting a place in Serbia often comes with a deposit requirement - usually one to two months' rent. Below, we've outlined what to include in your rental agreement and the steps to take to get your money back without any conflicts.
The Law on Housing Relations of the Republic of Serbia (Закон о становању) regulates rentals but does not prescribe a mandatory deposit amount. To protect your interests, include the following points in the agreement:
If the return conditions are not specified, the arbitration court may rule in favor of the tenant, but it's better to clarify the details in advance.
Most disputes arise from misunderstandings or lack of evidence. Practical recommendations:
Draw up a handover act, attach photos, and a list of defects (scratches, cracks, stains). If the landlord refuses to sign the document, send it by email with a request to confirm receipt.
Do not sublet the apartment without permission, avoid noisy parties, and pay utility bills on time. Violations often become a reason for withholding part of the deposit.
A bank transfer or MojaPlata app leaves a paper trail that will come in handy in case of a dispute.
1-2 months before moving out, inform the landlord of your intention to leave. If no response is received, send a written notification (email or registered mail). This will help avoid a sudden refusal to return funds.
Send the landlord an official demand for deposit return with a specified deadline (usually 14 days). Example:
Dear [Landlord's Name],
I hereby demand the return of my deposit in the amount of [amount] EUR within 14 days from the date of receipt of this letter. The apartment at [address] was handed over to you in good condition, as confirmed by the handover act dated [date]. Please transfer the funds to my bank account [account details].
Sincerely, [Your Name].
Send the letter by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt or by email with confirmation of reading.
If there is no response, file a lawsuit in the municipal court (општински суд). In Serbia, such disputes are considered there.
What you need:
Court fee depends on the claim amount. For a claim up to 50,000 RSD (≈ 430 EUR), the fee is 2% of the amount, but not less than 1,000 RSD.
Addresses of municipal courts:
You can file a claim personally or through a lawyer. The process usually takes 2-6 months.
If the court rules in your favor, the landlord is obliged to return the deposit within 15 days. If they refuse, submit an application for forced execution (принудно извршење) to the bailiff service (Извршни суд). Bailiffs can seize property or write off funds from the debtor's bank account.
| Situation | Expected term |
|---|---|
| No conflicts | 14-30 days after the end of the rental period |
| After written demand | up to 3 months (if the landlord agrees) |
| Through court | 2-6 months (depending on the court's workload) |
If the landlord delays the process, a lawsuit is the only reliable way to get your money back.
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