Real Estate Law · European Union
Stand Up for Your Tenant Rights With a Lawyer Who Knows the Rules
Deposits withheld without reason, rent raised without notice, repairs ignored, evictions threatened without grounds — tenants across Europe face the same pressures, but the protections you actually have depend on the law of the country where you rent. We match you, free of charge, with a tenancy lawyer who fights for tenants’ rights every day.
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Who this is for
Whether you rent a room or a family home, your rights are protected — if you know them
Tenant law in Europe gives renters significant protections, but those protections only help when you understand them and can enforce them. Most countries regulate how much a deposit may be, how quickly it must be returned, how rent increases must be announced, what standard of repair a landlord must maintain, and what grounds — if any — justify ending a tenancy. Yet many tenants accept unfair treatment simply because they don’t know the rules or are afraid of retaliation. A specialist tenancy lawyer can tell you plainly where you stand, challenge an unfair demand or deduction, and represent you if a dispute escalates to court or a housing tribunal. Whether you’re facing a withheld deposit, a maintenance dispute, a rent rise or an eviction threat, early legal advice is usually the cheapest way to protect your home.
Why tenants get stuck
Tenants usually have more rights than they realise.
The problem is proving and enforcing them.
Landlords and agencies often rely on tenants not knowing the law — and not pushing back.
Deposit withheld unfairly
Landlords often deduct from the deposit for wear and tear, minor marks or disputed damage — but most countries limit what can be deducted and require proof, and a tenant who doesn’t challenge an unfair deduction simply loses the money.
Repairs ignored for months
Leaking roofs, broken heating, damp and unsafe wiring are the landlord’s responsibility in most jurisdictions, yet tenants are routinely told to wait or pay for fixes themselves — when the law often obliges the owner to act.
Eviction threats without grounds
Being asked to leave without proper notice, valid grounds or a court order is unlawful in most countries — but the threat alone is enough to make many tenants leave, when the law would often have protected their tenancy.
What you get
A tenancy lawyer who makes your rights real
We only match you with solicitors who represent tenants in housing and tenancy disputes regularly in the country where you rent.
Know where you stand
Your lawyer reviews your tenancy agreement and situation, then tells you plainly what the law requires of your landlord and what you can realistically claim or resist.
Deposit recovery
When your deposit has been withheld or unfairly deducted, your lawyer challenges the deduction, gathers the proof and pursues its return through the proper channels.
Repairs and habitability
If your landlord is ignoring repairs or renting out substandard housing, your lawyer can press for the work to be done — and advise on remedies such as rent reduction where the law allows.
Defence against eviction
Facing an eviction notice or threat? Your lawyer checks whether the grounds and procedure are lawful and defends your right to remain where the law protects you.
Coverage
Tenant rights lawyers across Europe
Tenant protections are set nationally, so the right lawyer is one who practises the tenancy law of the country where you live. We match cases in the following countries and beyond:
Frequently asked
Tenant law — common questions
What are my basic rights as a tenant?
They vary by country but typically include a safe and habitable home, protection for your deposit, limits on rent increases, proper notice before your tenancy ends, and protection from unlawful eviction. A tenancy lawyer can confirm exactly which protections apply to your agreement and situation.
Can my landlord evict me without a reason?
In most European countries a landlord cannot end a tenancy without valid grounds and correct notice, and often needs a court order to remove you. If you’ve been told to leave without a proper reason or process, you should get legal advice before moving out.
How do I get my deposit back if it’s been unfairly deducted?
Start by asking the landlord in writing to justify the deduction, and gather your evidence such as photos and the move-in inventory. If they refuse, most countries provide a formal route — often a deposit scheme or tribunal — and a lawyer can pursue it on your behalf.
Is my landlord responsible for repairs?
Generally yes — the landlord is normally responsible for keeping the property habitable, including major repairs, heating, water and structural issues. Minor wear and tear you cause is usually yours. If repairs are being ignored, a lawyer can advise on your options, which may include a rent reduction in some countries.
Can my rent be increased at any time?
No — most countries restrict how often, how much and how rent increases may be imposed, and many require written notice with proper justification. An increase that doesn’t follow the rules can often be challenged, so check it with a lawyer rather than accepting it.
What should I do if my landlord threatens to evict me?
Don’t leave voluntarily before you know your rights — an eviction threat is not the same as a lawful eviction. Take the threat seriously but seek legal advice immediately, as in many cases the law gives you significant protection and the threat itself may be unlawful.
Free case review
Know your rights before you lose your home
Tell us what’s happening with your tenancy and we’ll connect you with a specialist tenant lawyer — free of charge, with no obligation to hire.