Eviction from a rented home: your rights as a tenant
In Cyprus, tenants of many older residential and commercial properties are protected under the Rent Control Law. A protected tenant cannot simply be evicted; the landlord must obtain an eviction order from the Rent Control Court and prove a lawful ground, such as serious rent arrears or the landlord's genuine own use. Knowing whether your tenancy is protected is the first step.
Key facts
What to do
- Check whether your property falls under rent control (this typically depends on the age of the building and when the tenancy began).
- Keep proof of every rent payment and of the deposit you paid.
- If you have received a notice or claim, note the ground the landlord relies on and the deadline to respond.
- If the claim is rent arrears, paying or tendering the arrears within the time allowed can often stop the eviction.
- File your response or defence with the Rent Control Court within the stated period.
- Seek advice from the Rent Control Court registry or a lawyer if you are unsure whether you are a statutory (protected) tenant.
What to watch out for
- Rent arrears are one of the main lawful grounds for eviction - do not let them build up.
- Failing to respond to a Rent Control Court claim can result in an eviction order in your absence.
- Not every tenancy is protected; newer tenancies may fall outside rent control and offer weaker protection.
- Leaving without a court order can jeopardise your claim to the return of your deposit.
Legal basis
Frequently asked questions
Can my landlord evict me without going to court?
A protected (statutory) tenant under the Rent Control Law can only be evicted by an order of the Rent Control Court on a lawful ground - not by self-help.
I am behind on rent. Can I still avoid eviction?
Often yes. If you pay or tender the arrears within the period the court allows, eviction on the ground of arrears can usually be avoided. Act quickly.
What are lawful grounds for eviction?
Grounds under the Rent Control Law include serious rent arrears and the landlord's genuine need of the premises for own use, among others. The landlord must prove the ground.