FAQ: the 25 most common landlord questions — with short answers

Most private-landlord questions cluster around five topics: utilities and settlement, contracts and law, tax, deposits, and day-to-day admin. The 25 questions below cover these, each with a concise, clear answer. For tax and legal points, always confirm the current rule with an official source. The tax answers follow the Hungarian system — check your own jurisdiction.

This article is a quick reference: jump to the topic heading and read your question. The answers link to the detailed guides.

Utilities and settlement

1. Who pays the utilities in a rental? Consumption-based charges (water, electricity, gas) are usually paid by the tenant, since they use the flat. The exact split is set in the contract. Details: utility bill settlement for rentals, A-Z.

2. How do I calculate consumption? Consumption = closing reading − opening reading. Amount due = consumption × unit price + standing charge.

3. Settle monthly or quarterly? However your contract sets it. Many landlords read monthly because each settlement carries less error.

4. Is utility billing taxable income? Charges passed on at actual consumption generally aren’t; rent is. Confirm the current rule with your tax authority.

5. What if the tenant disputes the consumption? A dated photo reading for every period. The read value plus the provider’s unit price justify every line.

6. Who pays the common cost? It depends on the contract. Record in writing before move-in whether the tenant or landlord bears it.

7. How do I handle gas billing? The gas meter measures in m³ but the bill is kWh-based; convert using the bill’s correction factor and calorific value. The provider’s bill is authoritative.

Contracts and law

8. What should the rental contract contain? The parties’ details, a description of the flat, the rent and payment method, the utility split, the deposit, the term, and termination rules.

9. Fixed-term or open-ended contract? Fixed-term is more predictable, open-ended more flexible. As a landlord, fixed-term gives stronger planning.

10. What’s the notice period? As set in the contract; the relevant rules are governed by the Civil Code. Confirm the exact deadline from current legislation.

11. Can I raise the rent during the contract? Only in the manner set out in the contract and with prior notice, typically tied to the anniversary.

12. What can I do if the tenant doesn’t pay? First a written notice, then the contractual steps. In serious cases, legal action; the deposit and documentation help a lot.

13. Can the tenant sublet the flat? Only with the landlord’s consent, if the contract doesn’t exclude it. Subletting is best regulated in the contract.

Tax

14. How is renting taxed? For individuals, renting generally falls under personal income tax as part of the consolidated tax base. Confirm the rate with your tax authority.

15. Flat-rate or itemised cost accounting? Typically you can choose between a flat cost ratio or itemised costs. Which is better depends on your actual costs.

16. When is the return deadline? The personal annual return deadline is typically 20 May in Hungary. Confirm the exact date with the tax authority.

17. Do I need a tax number to let a flat? As an individual, a separate tax number is often not required, but it depends on the nature of the activity. Check the tax-authority guidance.

18. Can renovation costs be deducted? Under itemised accounting, certain costs can, together with depreciation. Confirm details with an accountant.

Deposits

19. How much deposit can I ask for? Typically 1–2 months’ rent is customary. The exact amount is set in the contract.

20. When must I return the deposit? At the end of the tenancy, after reconciling the flat’s condition and any debts, within the deadline set in the contract.

21. What can I deduct from the deposit? Damage beyond normal use and the tenant’s debts (e.g. unpaid utilities). Normal wear and tear cannot be deducted.

22. How do I avoid a deposit dispute? Move-in and move-out condition photos, an inventory, and an itemised deposit settlement. Documentation decides the dispute.

Admin and practice

23. How much time does managing a flat take per month? Manually, typically 15–30 minutes per flat. RentTab automates this.

24. How should I track tasks? With an annual calendar: monthly routine, fixed annual dates, seasonal points. See: the rental admin annual calendar.

25. Excel or software for managing rentals? For one or two flats Excel works, but it’s error-prone and time-consuming. See: renting without spreadsheets.