Frequently Asked Questions
How can I view the selected apartment?
Whether you found the apartment on our website or a listing platform, call the phone number in the ad or send a message. Our property manager will gladly show you the apartment. If the apartment is not yet available for moving in or is still being furnished, you can typically view a sample apartment or a similarly furnished one.
What are the rental requirements?
To rent an apartment, you need personal documents (ID or passport), proof of sufficient income (methods can be discussed with the property manager), a signed fixed-term lease agreement for at least one year, and payment of the security deposit.
Can I rent as a foreign citizen?
Absolutely! We welcome everyone, regardless of nationality. Our property managers speak English, and the lease agreement can be signed in a bilingual format. Depending on your citizenship, additional documents (e.g., employment contract, proof of income) may be required—your property manager can provide details. Foreign citizens must pay a deposit equivalent to four months’ rent, which will be settled and refunded at the end of the rental period according to the lease terms.
Who else can live in the apartment?
The number of occupants depends on the apartment’s size. Discuss with the property manager before signing the lease. Note that subletting or using the apartment for Airbnb is prohibited.
Can I register my address at the apartment?
Yes, after signing the lease, you can register your address at the local office. You’ll receive an address card and can apply for a parking permit. If others want to register, their names must be included as “users” in the lease agreement.
What pets can I keep?
Pets in aquariums or terrariums are allowed within the law and house rules. Dogs, cats, or other free-roaming or caged pets require approval based on the type, size, and age. Generally, we approve pets over 2 years old and under 6 kg. Notify the property manager in advance or upon acquiring a pet. Regardless, pets must not disturb neighbors with noise, odors, or other issues.
What does the lease agreement include?
It covers all key details, including the parties involved (tenant and landlord), the property, lease duration, rent and costs (e.g., utilities, maintenance fees), termination terms, and the rights and responsibilities of both parties. The draft agreement will be sent to you for review and can be discussed with the property manager.
How long is the lease term?
The lease is fixed for a minimum of one year. During this period, neither party can terminate it unilaterally except in extraordinary circumstances, as defined in the agreement.
How can I extend the lease?
If you want to extend the lease, notify your property manager before the lease ends. If you don’t contact us by the 30th day before expiration, your property manager will reach out to discuss renewal or termination. If you choose not to renew, the lease will terminate at the end of its term.
Can the rent change during the lease?
No, the rent remains fixed during the lease term. However, communal fees and utility rates set by third parties may increase. Upon renewal, rent adjustments may apply.
How much is the security deposit?
Typically, the deposit equals two months’ rent. For pet owners, it may increase to three months. If you acquire a pet after moving in, you must pay the additional deposit.
How is rent paid?
Rent and other fees must be paid via bank transfer. Cash, card payments, or other methods are not accepted.
How can my lease end?
If neither party wishes to renew, the lease ends automatically upon expiration. In cases of severe breach of contract, extraordinary termination is possible, as detailed in the lease.
How do I return the apartment?
Return the apartment in the same condition as received: thoroughly cleaned (including textiles and appliances) and repainted to the original colors. If you prefer not to handle these tasks, your property manager can recommend reliable contractors. The manager will conduct the handover and inventory check, documented in a handover report.
How is the security deposit refunded?
After the handover, we prepare a settlement, deducting any unpaid rent, communal fees, utility costs, or damages caused by misuse. The remaining deposit is transferred within 45 days of the handover.
What’s included in the apartment?
Unless stated otherwise, apartments are fully furnished, including kitchen furniture, built-in appliances (microwave and, except for the smallest units, a dishwasher), washing machine, window coverings, rugs, and decorative items.
What’s not included?
Small kitchen appliances (e.g., coffee maker), tableware, multimedia devices (e.g., TV, speakers), and internet/TV service are not included. Internet and TV subscriptions must be arranged and canceled by the tenant.
Can I modify the furnishings?
Small movable items can be removed upon request, depending on storage availability. Larger items (e.g., beds, sofas) cannot be removed. You can store them in a rented storage unit at your expense.
Can I install shelves or decorations?
You may install shelves or hooks on painted walls but must remove them and restore the walls before moving out. Drilling into tiled walls or doors is prohibited; any damage will be repaired at your expense.
What am I responsible for maintaining?
Routine cleaning and maintenance (e.g., cleaning filters, replacing light bulbs) are your responsibility. Follow appliance manuals for maintenance instructions. If poor maintenance causes damage, repair costs will be charged to you.
Do I have obligations outside the apartment?
Maintain cleanliness in shared spaces (e.g., gym, sauna). Clean up messes in communal areas promptly.
What if something breaks?
If fixtures or appliances break under normal use, we handle repairs at our expense. Report issues via our website or email your property manager. Damages like stains, burns, or scratches are your responsibility.
What expenses must be paid in addition to the rent?
As with any other apartment, you’ll need to pay the common maintenance fee and utility costs (heating, water, electricity). The common maintenance fee is determined by the condominium, while other fees are calculated based on consumption as recorded by the meters. If you want wired internet or TV services, you’ll need to subscribe directly with a provider, typically Magyar Telekom.
Which utility meters need to be transferred to my name?
Only the electricity meter. You’ll receive bills directly from MVM (the electricity provider), and you must pay them directly. When the apartment is handed over, the property manager will provide you with the necessary form to submit at an MVM customer service office. When your rental agreement ends, a record of the electricity meter reading will be made, and the meter will be transferred either to the new tenant or back to our name. You’ll then receive a final settlement bill from MVM.
How much is the common maintenance fee?
The condominium decides the exact amount. You can find out the specific fee from your property manager before signing the contract. Note that, like in other condominiums, the common maintenance fee is reviewed annually during the spring general meeting and may increase during your tenancy. Any increase depends primarily on the subcontractors working for the condominium (cleaning staff, security services, external maintenance providers, etc.).
How is consumption billed?
Each apartment has an electricity meter, a heat meter, and separate cold and hot water meters. You’ll read and report the electricity meter readings directly to the provider, who will issue your bill accordingly. The condominium handles readings of the heat meter and water meters, which are used to calculate charges for heating (or cooling), water heating, and water/sewer services. Billing rules for consumption may vary between buildings. In some cases, a fixed monthly fee is charged for items like the building’s gas meter base fee, and different rules apply to the shared area consumption and heat loss. However, the universal principle is that you’ll pay in proportion to your consumption.
Why are there separate meters for cold and hot water, and how is water consumption billed?
This is because hot water usage incurs two charges: one for the water itself (which includes sewer fees) and another for heating the water.
The cost depends on whether the condominium handles the water billing or whether individual owners must make separate agreements with the provider for sub-meters. If the condominium manages the billing (e.g., Teve Apartment House, Bárd Apartment House, Metrodom River), the water is purchased at a discounted residential rate, which is passed on to you at the same rate. However, if the meters are registered under a company belonging to the Flatco Group, the water is billed at market rates, and these market rates will be passed on to you.
How do I pay for utility costs and the common maintenance fee?
Electricity is paid directly to MVM, while all other charges will be invoiced to you monthly by Flatco alongside the rent. Payments must be made via bank transfer.
How much does it cost to use communal facilities and services?
There is no separate fee; the common maintenance fee covers access to facilities such as the gym, sauna, community space, and game room. However, if you neglect to clean up or tidy after yourself, the condominium may charge you a separate fee for the additional cleaning or organizing required.
How can I subscribe to internet or TV services?
You’ll need to subscribe directly with a provider, typically Magyar Telekom. They have a dedicated representative for Flatco tenants who will assist you in setting up your subscription and activating the service as quickly as possible. If you are already a Telekom customer or have a mobile plan with them, you can transfer your subscription and take advantage of any available discounts. No approval or assistance from us is required for setting up or canceling these services; you can handle it entirely at your discretion.