As Slovenia’s rental market continues to expand, both local and foreign property owners are increasingly offering their apartments for rent. However, the Housing Inspectorate of the Republic of Slovenia recently discovered numerous violations during its 2025 inspection campaign, highlighting that many landlords are still unaware of their legal duties.

Written Lease Agreement Is Mandatory

According to the Ministry for a Solidary Future, every rental or sublease agreement must be made in writing. Verbal agreements are not sufficient and renting out a property without a signed lease constitutes an offense. Both the landlord and tenant are required to sign a written contract specifying the terms of the tenancy, including rent, duration, and the number of occupants.

Landlords Must Inform the Building Manager

In multi-unit buildings with established condominium ownership, landlords are legally obliged to notify the building manager about the lease. They must report:

  • The name of the tenant
  • The number of persons living in the apartment
  • Any changes related to the lease agreement

Failure to provide this information was the most common violation detected by the inspectorate.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Renting out property without a written contract or neglecting to inform the building manager can result in fines between EUR 500 and 1,200 for individuals. Legal entities (companies or agencies) can face substantially higher fines, amounting to several thousand euros.

Cooperation Between Authorities

During the inspections, the Housing Inspectorate also identified suspected violations outside its jurisdiction, including unregistered rentals (“renting on the black market”) and potential tax-related irregularities. These cases were referred to the Market Inspectorate and the Financial Administration (FURS). In some situations, the Ministry of the Interior was also notified.

Ongoing Inspections

Authorities have announced that targeted inspections of rental contracts and property leases will continue in the future, aiming to increase transparency and ensure fair rental practices.

Why Compliance Matters

For landlords, proper documentation and communication with building managers are not only legal requirements but also important safeguards. A written lease protects both parties in case of disputes and ensures that all obligations, including taxes and utilities, are handled correctly.

Foreign property owners should be especially attentive to these obligations, as administrative oversights can quickly lead to penalties. Tenants, on the other hand, should always insist on a written agreement and registration of their tenancy.

If you are considering renting or leasing property in Slovenia, you may also find useful our related article: Student Housing in Slovenia: What You Should Know Before Renting.

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