How do rental contracts and deposits work in Latvia in 2026?

Write the parties, address, īre amount, payment date, and whether the contract is fixed-term or open-ended. List who may live there, pet rules, and the number of keys. Spell rent separately from utilities and building charges (komunālie): heat, water, electricity, and similar use costs should not hide behind “tenant pays everything”: Utilities, internet and transport.

Confirm the lessor is the registered owner or an authorised agent. A Land Register (Zemesgrāmata) extract is the practical ownership check before you sign: Avoid rental scams. Ask whether the landlord will support address declaration on the lease address.

Article 12 of the Residential Tenancy Law lets the landlord ask for a security deposit that does not exceed two months’ rent. A larger demand is not a lawful deposit cap; walk away or renegotiate. The deposit secures contract obligations, including unpaid rent or damages. If debts exist when the lease ends, they may be cleared from the deposit with notice to the tenant. Unused deposit or the remainder returns no later than the day you free the premises unless the contract sets another return rule.

Do not treat the deposit as prepaid last-month rent unless the contract expressly structures settlement that way. Photograph the flat at handover and keep a signed inventory when furniture is included: Furnished rentals. Price context: Rent in Latvia and How to rent a home.