How do I get my electricity and water deposit back in Cyprus?

In our blogs we've explained the process of re-registering electricity and water in your name, and today we're going to talk about how a tenant can get a refund. Let's get started!

When renting in Cyprus, tenants are required to pay deposits for utilities such as electricity and water. These deposits act as a guarantee of payment and are refunded at the end of the tenancy if all the terms of the agreement have been met.

Why reissue utility deposits in your own name?

At first glance, re-registering utility bills in your own name may seem like an unnecessary headache. However, there are several important benefits to taking this step. Regular personal cheques with your exact home address are direct proof of your current address. Here's why it's important:

1. Opening a bank account. Cypriot banks love confirmation. A cheque for electricity or water with your name and address on it can make the difference when opening an account.
2. Replacing your driving licence. If you have a driving licence issued in another country, proof of residence in Cyprus for the last 6 months will make it easier to replace it with a local licence.
3. Opening a Sole Proprietorship or Company. If you wish to open a sole proprietorship or company in Cyprus, the bureaucracy will require proof of your residence.
4. Other bureaucratic issues. It is always a good idea to have proof of residence on hand for any official procedure. So if you are renting, try to ensure that each adult in the family can put their name on the utility bills. For example, in a rented property, the husband pays for the electricity and the wife for the water.

So if you want to avoid unnecessary bureaucracy and simplify your life, don't put off this important step. And remember, in Cyprus they say that the most important documents are not your passport or driving licence, but your electricity and water bills!

Let's take a closer look at the steps you need to take to get your electricity and water deposits back in Cyprus.

Make sure there are no debts

The first and most important step is to make sure that all your electricity and water bills are paid. You can check your current arrears as follows:

1. Electricity.Contact the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC). You can phone, visit their office or use their online services to check the status of your account.
2. Water.Contact your local water company (e.g. Nicosia Water Board or Limassol Water Board) to check the status of your account.

Gathering the necessary documents

You will need the following documents to get your deposit back:

1. A copy of your tenancy agreement.
2. Receipts for all utility bills. Do not throw these away, but keep them for future reference.
3. Photo identification (passport or ID card).
4. A completed and signed Security Deposit Refund Application Form.

Complete the Security Deposit Refund Application Form

You can obtain a deposit refund application form from your utility company's office or official website. Make sure you fill in all the fields correctly and attach all the necessary documents. All the paperwork will be in Greek.

Visit the utility company's office

Once you have collected all the documents, you will need to visit your utility company's office in person:

1. Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC). Find the nearest office and hand your application and documents to a member of staff. You may be asked to provide additional information or answer questions.
2. Local water company. Visit the office of the water company that serves your area and hand in your application and documents.

Wait for your deposit to be refunded

Once all the paperwork has been submitted, the deposit refund process can take some time. It usually takes a few weeks to a month. The utility company's staff will check your details and the payment of all bills, after which the deposit will be returned to your nominated bank account or other agreed method.

Useful tips

1. Keep all receipts. Keep all utility bills for the duration of your tenancy. This will help to avoid any misunderstandings when returning the deposit. And in the event of a mistake (for example, you suddenly receive a bill for €2,000 for 2 months), you will be able to establish how much you spend on water and electricity on average.
2. Check deadlines. Some utility companies may have a limited time in which to apply for a refund. Make sure you get all your paperwork in on time.
3. Keep in touch. Leave your contact details so that staff can get in touch with you if you have any questions.

Getting your electricity and water deposit refunded in Cyprus is a process that requires care and preparation. By following the steps and guidelines outlined, you will be able to successfully refund your deposit and avoid any unpleasant surprises. If you have any questions or difficulties, you can always seek help from specialists or directly from the service provider's office. We wish you good luck!

We hope you found this article helpful. If you have any experience of getting your utility deposit refunded in Cyprus, please share it in the comments!

Read also:

1. How do you move elderly parents to Cyprus?
2. What documents are required to sell a property in Cyprus?
3. 6 Ways to Relocate to Cyprus in 2024
4. Cyprus Weather Forecast: Current Temperature and 10-Day Average for Nicosia, Limassol, and Paphos
5. Cyprus residence permit in 2024