Protection Against Unlawful Eviction

What it is

Eviction means being asked or forced to leave your rented home. In Lithuania, tenants have legal protections — even if you are a migrant or your rental agreement is informal. A landlord cannot simply throw you out without following the correct legal process.

Who it is for

This guide is for anyone renting accommodation in Lithuania — whether you have a written rental contract or not, and regardless of your immigration status.

How to apply / what to do

What a landlord can and cannot do

In general, Lithuanian law does not allow a landlord to:

• Change the locks while you are away or otherwise physically remove you without a court order.
• Cut off utilities (water, electricity, heating) to force you to leave.
• Remove your belongings without your permission.
• Threaten or intimidate you to make you leave.

These actions are unlawful even if the landlord says you owe rent or have broken the contract.

Notice periods

A landlord who wants you to leave must generally give you written notice. The length of the notice period depends on the reason:

• If the rental contract has ended or you have not paid rent, the landlord must normally give written notice and, in most cases, seek a court order before you can be legally required to leave.
• If you have a fixed-term contract, you generally have the right to stay until it ends, unless you have seriously violated the contract terms.

Always check your rental contract for the specific conditions, and ask for any notice in writing.

If you receive an eviction notice

• Do not panic and do not leave immediately unless there is an emergency.
• Ask for the notice in writing if you have not already received it.
• Seek advice as soon as possible — deadlines can be short.
• You have the right to challenge an eviction in court.

If a landlord uses force or threats

Call the police on 112 immediately. You do not have to accept unlawful behaviour from a landlord. The police can intervene to protect you while the legal situation is resolved.

What to do next

• Keep all written communication with your landlord (text messages, emails, letters).
• Document any damage or problems with photos and dates.
• If you are a registered resident at the address, do not let your landlord pressure you into removing your registration without understanding what this means for your legal status.

Where to get help

• State Consumer Rights Protection Authority (VVTAT) — for disputes about rental contracts and tenant rights.
• A lawyer or legal aid service — if you receive an eviction notice or court summons. Free or low-cost legal aid may be available through your municipality.
• Caritas Lithuania or the Diversity Development Group — for practical support and referrals to housing help.