BUDAPEST, Hungary | A growing number of Erasmus students studying in Hungary are voicing concerns over rental deposit disputes, with some claiming that landlords and property management companies are withholding security deposits after tenants move out, raising broader questions about transparency and tenant protections in the country’s private housing market.
Hungary remains one of the most popular destinations for Erasmus exchange students, attracting thousands of young people from across Europe each year. Budapest, in particular, is known for its relatively affordable cost of living, lively cultural scene, and internationally recognized universities. However, alongside its popularity, concerns are emerging about rental practices affecting international students.
Several Erasmus students allege that they were required to pay both monthly rent and security deposits in cash rather than through bank transfers. According to students, this practice can create challenges when disputes arise because cash transactions often leave limited documentation and make it harder to prove payments.
Tom, an Erasmus student who recently completed his exchange semester in Budapest, said he encountered difficulties recovering his deposit after leaving his apartment near Blaha Lujza tér.
“I was expecting to receive my deposit back when I moved out,” Tom said. “Instead, I was told that various deductions would be made. When I started speaking with other Erasmus students, I realized that many had similar experiences.”
According to Tom, the issue appears to extend beyond a single landlord or property. Students from multiple countries have reportedly shared comparable stories through Erasmus social media groups, online forums, and student communities.
Many students have questioned why cash payments are frequently requested for rent and security deposits. They argue that electronic transfers provide a transparent payment trail, helping both tenants and landlords resolve disagreements more fairly. Some students also believe that cash-only arrangements can reduce accountability and increase the risk of misunderstandings.
Housing experts and tenant-rights advocates recommend that students take precautions before signing rental agreements. These include ensuring that a written contract is in place, requesting receipts for all payments, documenting the condition of the property with photographs and videos upon move-in and move-out, and keeping records of all communications with landlords or property managers.
Despite the complaints, students acknowledge that many landlords and rental agencies in Hungary operate professionally and return deposits without issue. However, they argue that stronger oversight, clearer regulations, and greater awareness of tenant rights could help reduce conflicts and improve the rental experience for international students.
The issue has sparked wider discussions within the Erasmus community about rental transparency, security deposit policies, and the challenges foreign students face when navigating unfamiliar housing markets abroad.
As Budapest continues to welcome thousands of international students each year, calls are growing for clearer rental procedures, improved documentation practices, and stronger protections that ensure both tenants and landlords are treated fairly.
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