Pál is 46 years old. He inherited a second apartment years ago, which until then had only been used occasionally by relatives. The apartment was in good condition: clean, renovated, and furnished.

One day, an old acquaintance of his, Laci, contacted him to say he was going through a divorce and urgently needed a place to live. “Pali, I don’t want anything for free. I’ll pay the utilities and the 90,000 forint rent. But please, I need a solution right away—there’s no time for paperwork…” he pleaded.

Paul felt sorry for him, since they’d known each other for a long time. He didn’t want to be heartless. He decided to trust him, and they agreed on the rent verbally. There was no written contract, just a handshake—“he’s a decent guy, after all.”

The first few months were quiet

At first, Laci paid his share. The check arrived every month, and he took care of the shared expenses without fail. Pál felt relieved: it was a good decision, he thought. Laci didn’t hassle him or check up on him; everything just fell into place.

Then, starting in the fourth month, the payment stopped coming. “I’m a little short on cash right now, I’m sorry. I’ll take care of it next month,” the message read.

Later, more promises followed, but no money. By the time he realized what was happening, he was already five months in arrears. The condition of the apartment had also deteriorated: an acquaintance noticed burn marks from cigarettes on the wall, and someone had even brought a dog there, even though that had never been discussed.

“This is my home. I’m not leaving.”

When Pál finally went to see Laci in person to ask for the apartment back, he received a surprising response:

“This is my home now. I’m not just going to leave,” Laci said calmly. “Where do you think I should go? Out on the street?”

Pál stood there in shock. He couldn’t get into his own apartment; he didn’t have a key and couldn’t check on it. There was nothing he could do— because there was no lease.

The solution: professional help

After months had gone by without pay, and Laci still refused to move out, Pál finally turned to a real estate professional recommended by an acquaintance.

The specialist helped:

• Document messages, delays,
• Develop clear, formal communication,
• To exert pressure that is lawful and effective.

Pál was no longer trying to do it alone. With everyone’s support, he managed to create an atmosphere in which Laci eventually moved out of his own accord —with a bitter taste in his mouth, but peacefully.

The moral of the story

• It’s not the connection that matters—it’s the context.
• Without a written contract, there is no legal basis.
• The contract is not a sign of mistrust—it is a safeguard for both parties.
• If you're having trouble, ask for help right away—don't wait until it's too late.

Renting out an apartment is a big responsibility. Getting it back—sometimes you can only do it with help. Trust your tenant, but put everything in writing. Because when trouble arises, words aren’t enough.