The rental situation in Montenegro is increasingly unfavorable and unsustainable for tenants, according to Dragan Živković, president of the Montenegrin Tenants’ Association “Moj dom”. He describes the market as largely operating in a legal grey zone, with tenants facing high rents, insecure contracts, frequent evictions and no institutional support.
Živković identifies the main drivers of skyrocketing rents as seasonal tourism, short-term rentals, unregulated urban development, and real estate investments for profit rather than housing. He emphasizes the absence of rental laws, public housing, and support models, adding that there is no official tenant registry, although it’s estimated that around 10% of the population lives in rented housing.
To improve the situation, Živković proposes rent control in key urban areas, taxes on vacant properties, and the development of subsidized and public housing. A tenant law is urgently needed to bring order and protection to the market.
The association has launched a new initiative called “New Housing Model – A Path to Fair and Secure Living,” aimed at protecting tenants and preparing the ground for social housing by 2026. The model includes a rent subsidy of up to €300 for reliable tenants, legal assistance, priority access to social housing, and transparent rental terms. Landlords are also invited to join the initiative to help stabilize the market.
Živković reveals that over 80% of tenants have no formal rental agreement, leaving them vulnerable to eviction and without legal protection. He stresses the need for systemic reform and political will, noting that tenant issues are still not a government priority.
The association also supports the creation of a public-private housing fund and a social enterprise to rent out properties under fair terms. Regarding the government’s “Velje Brdo” housing project, Živković says it will only have social impact if at least 30% of the housing is reserved for subsidized, long-term public rentals.
