At move-in, you usually have 48 hours to report:

• existing damage

• missing items

• issues with cleanliness, equipment, or other property conditions

If something is not reported within that period and is only discovered at move-out, it may be considered to have happened during your stay.

This means:

• the landlord may treat it as tenant-caused damage

• the repair or replacement cost may be deducted from your deposit

That is why it is very important to:

• inspect the property carefully at move-in

• take photos and report all issues within the allowed time frame

• keep a copy of everything you reported, such as an email or form confirmation

Yes, in most cases we or the landlord can provide:

• a confirmation of your tenancy and

• a statement of rent paid, based on the records you and the landlord have kept.

If you know you will need this for your university, employer or future landlord, it is helpful to:

• keep your own proof of payments (bank statements, transfer confirmations), and

• request the confirmation before or shortly after your move-out, while everything is still fresh.

Check out the STAY section

Before the inspection and key handover, you should:

• remove all your personal belongings,

• clean the apartment thoroughly (including kitchen, bathroom, floors, and fridge),

• dispose of trash and food,

• return any items that belong to the landlord to their original place,

• make sure all keys are ready to be returned.

You can also take your own photos of the apartment and meter readings. A clean, well-presented apartment reduces the risk of deductions from the deposit.

Even if your stay ends on a fixed date, it is helpful to:

• confirm your move-out date and time with the landlord and/or HomeInZagreb in advance,

• agree on when the final inspection and key return will take place.

This avoids misunderstandings and helps plan cleaning, inspections, and potential new tenants. The legal end date is in the contract, but practical coordination is still important.

Check out the MOVE OUT section

You must:

• keep the apartment clean and orderly,

• use it with the care of a good tenant,

• pay for small, regular maintenance items (for example, light bulbs),

• promptly inform the landlord about any serious defects or problems with major appliances.

The landlord usually pays for repairs of major appliances and infrastructure, unless the damage is caused by your negligence or improper use. In that case, you must cover the costs.

If you do not maintain the apartment properly, the landlord may:

• hire a cleaning service at your expense, and

• in serious cases, terminate the contract.

If urgent damage needs immediate repair and you are responsible, the landlord can:

• order the work,

• ask you to repay the costs, and

• terminate the agreement without returning the deposit if you refuse to cooperate or pay.

When the tenancy ends, you must:

• remove all your personal belongings, and

• return the apartment in the same condition as at move-in, considering normal wear and tear.

The landlord will:

• inspect the apartment,

• document the final condition and meter readings, and

• calculate any necessary repairs or extra cleaning.

If the cost of returning the apartment to the move-in condition is higher than the deposit, the landlord can charge you the difference and provide a list of those costs.

If you move out before the end rent date:

• this is usually considered early departure,

• you may still be responsible for rent until the end of the agreed period,

• unless a replacement tenant acceptable to the landlord and the agency is found

• or the landlord agrees in writing to end the contract earlier.

Leaving the apartment and handing back the keys does not automatically end your rent obligation.

The key reference is what is written in the Tenancy Agreement and any written termination agreement.

Once your start rent date arrives:

• rent is usually due once per month, on the due date defined in the contract,

• each payment covers a rental period (often from the 1st to the last day of the month, or from the contract start day each month).

You must continue to pay:

• every month,

• until the end rent date,

even if you decide to leave earlier, unless an early termination agreement is made and confirmed in writing.

Usually, your move-out date is the same or very close to the end rent date in the contract.

If you leave:

• on or just before the end rent date → this matches the contract.

• earlier than the end rent date, without an agreed early termination →

  • you may still be responsible for rent until the end rent date,

  • unless the landlord and agency approve different terms (for example, a replacement tenant).

Always check your contract if you are considering leaving before the end rent date.

The end rent date is the last day of your rental period in the contract.

Up to and including the end rent date:

• you are responsible for paying rent, and

• you have the right to use the property, under the agreed rules.

After the end rent date, the contract ends (unless you sign an extension or a new agreement).

You must inform the landlord of your departure date and approximate time at least 7 days in advance.

In practice:

• If your contract has a fixed end date, you should still confirm your exact check-out day and time at least one week before leaving.

• If you are considering leaving earlier than the contract end date, there may be financial consequences (see Rent & Cancellation FAQs).