The rental housing market in Cluj-Napoca can no longer be treated as a secondary issue in urban development.

The report published by the Romanian Energy Poverty Observatory (ORSE), “Renting in Cluj-Napoca: Challenges, Vulnerabilities and Local and National Policy Options”, provides an in-depth analysis of housing conditions, the costs borne by tenants, and the limitations of the current protection and support framework.

The research draws on a survey of households in Cluj-Napoca, interviews with tenants and students, and an analysis of the local housing market. The findings highlight high rental costs, a significant degree of informality, challenges related to tenancy security, and issues affecting housing quality, including inadequate thermal comfort, dampness, mould, and a lack of energy-efficiency renovations.

The report shows that students, young professionals, and low- and middle-income households are among the groups most exposed to these challenges. However, the issue has broader implications for the city as a whole and affects its overall social and economic functioning.

The publication proposes a range of policy measures, including greater market transparency, clearer standards for rental housing, mediation services, better-targeted financial support, and closer cooperation between public authorities, universities, landlords, and tenants.

📄 Read the full report to explore the data, tenants’ experiences, and the policy solutions proposed at both the local and national levels.