Duratum

Guides · Bulgaria

Tenancy or lease renewal in Bulgaria

Written from published rules on 27 August 2026. Not monitored for changes since. A starting point, not official advice — confirm anything that matters with No specific government authority directly handles the renewal of private tenancy/lease agreements; it is a civil matter between the contracting parties. Notaries (нотариус) may be involved if the original contract was notarized or if parties wish for the renewal to be notarized..

Renewing a tenancy or lease agreement in Bulgaria generally involves a mutual agreement between the landlord and tenant, often formalized through an addendum or a new contract. The specifics depend heavily on the terms outlined in the original lease agreement.

Your timing

It is generally advisable for both parties to discuss renewal intentions several months before the current lease agreement's expiry. This allows ample time for negotiation, agreement on new terms, and, if necessary, for the tenant to find alternative accommodation or the landlord to find a new tenant, avoiding last-minute pressures.

Start 90 days ahead

This lead time allows for negotiation between landlord and tenant, drafting of a new agreement or addendum, and, if applicable, scheduling an appointment with a notary. It also provides a buffer should either party decide not to renew.

The process

  1. 1Review the existing lease agreement to understand its renewal clauses, notice periods, and terms regarding contract expiry.
  2. 2Initiate communication with the other party (landlord or tenant) to express interest in renewing the lease.
  3. 3Negotiate new terms and conditions, such as rent adjustments, duration of the new period, and any changes to responsibilities.
  4. 4Draft an addendum to the existing lease agreement or a new lease agreement incorporating the agreed-upon changes.
  5. 5Both parties sign the new addendum or contract. If the original contract was notarized or registered, consider if the renewal also needs similar formalization.
  6. 6Ensure both parties retain a signed copy of the renewed agreement or addendum.

What to bring

  • The original tenancy or lease agreement.
  • Identification documents for both the landlord and the tenant (e.g., passport or national ID card).

Who handles it

No specific government authority directly handles the renewal of private tenancy/lease agreements; it is a civil matter between the contracting parties. Notaries (нотариус) may be involved if the original contract was notarized or if parties wish for the renewal to be notarized.

There is no standard government fee for renewing a private lease agreement. If the parties choose to have the renewal notarized, notary fees will apply, which are typically calculated based on the rent amount and duration. These fees should be confirmed directly with a notary.

What commonly goes wrong

  • Carefully review all clauses in the original lease agreement, especially those pertaining to automatic renewal, notice periods, and rent adjustments.
  • Ensure that any new agreement or addendum clearly specifies the start and end dates of the renewed period and any changes to the original terms.
  • If the original contract was notarized or registered with a public body (e.g., in a register for commercial properties), it may be advisable to formalize the renewal in the same manner to maintain legal enforceability and public record.
  • Communicate clearly and in writing (email, signed letters) throughout the negotiation process to avoid misunderstandings.

Sources

This guide is based on one official source.

Other documents in Bulgaria

Tenancy or lease renewal in other countries

Often renewed together

Don't rely on remembering

Add this document to Duratum and we'll tell you when to start, and remind you before it matters.

Track my Tenancy or lease