Renting an apartment in Croatia: contract, deposit, registration and landlord tax
Published 12. October 2026 · 2 min read
What a rental contract must contain, the usual deposit, who pays the agency, how the rental is registered with the tax office and how much tax the landlord pays.
Rental contract
The contract must be in writing and contain: details of the parties, description of the apartment, rent and payment method, who pays utilities, duration (fixed or open-ended), notice period and condition at handover. A handover protocol with photos and meter readings is recommended. Notarial certification is not mandatory but makes proof and enforcement easier.
Deposit
A deposit of one to two months' rent is customary. It covers damage and unpaid bills, not the last month's rent, and is returned with a statement within the agreed period after moving out.
Who pays the agency
Since the amendment of the real estate brokerage law, the tenant pays no commission if the landlord engaged the agency. Agencies therefore charge the owner, usually one month's rent plus VAT. On Nekredo you can see whether a listing is private or from an agency.
Registering the rental
The landlord must register the contract with the Tax Administration within 8 days of signing (or the notary submits it if certified). The tenant registers residence or temporary stay with the police (MUP) at the address; EU citizens register a temporary stay. Without a registered contract the tenant cannot claim rights such as subsidies or school enrolment by address.
Landlord tax
Private landlords pay income tax on property: 12 % on the rent less 30 % flat-rate expenses, plus the municipal surtax. Example: rent 700 €, base 490 €, tax about 59 € per month (without surtax). The Tax Administration issues a decision and the tax is paid monthly. Short-term tourist rental has a different regime: a flat tax per bed and mandatory categorisation.
Notice and eviction
For open-ended contracts the notice period is at least three months unless the contract says otherwise. The landlord may terminate for non-payment, damage or unauthorised subletting. Self-help eviction is not allowed; a court decision is required.
Tips for tenants
- Ask to see the land registry to confirm the landlord is the owner.
- Photograph the apartment and meters when moving in.
- Pay rent by bank transfer, stating the month.
- Save your search on Nekredo: good rentals in the larger cities go within days.
As of 2026. For disputes and special cases consult a lawyer.
