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Frequently asked questions

Who will help me find a flat in the Czech Republic?

In the Czech Republic there are estate agencies, which will help you find a flat to rent or to purchase. For a flat purchase, estate agencies usually do not require a fee (or rather, they require it from the seller). However, when arranging renting, estate agencies demand either a payment in the form of a fixed sum for mediation or at the amount of one agreed rental payment, or possible a 2-3 multiple of the monthly rent.

Moreover, renting a flat arranged through an estate agency is usually more expensive. However there is one advantage - the estate agency will prepare an occupational lease. But even in this situation we recommend that you consult an independent solicitor about this occupational lease.

You can also be assisted through advertisements, notice boards and the Internet. You can rent a flat with any type of residence permit. But you can purchase a flat only if you have a permit for permanent residence or you have been granted asylum status.

Must I have a written contract concerning the flat, which I live in?

We always recommend having a written contract concluded, whether it is an occupational lease or a differently named contract. If you find somebody, who lets you live in a flat for a consideration and without a written contract, it is always very risky for you. You will also need a written contract for dealings at various offices.

What shall I do, when the landlord demands that I should pay the rent for several months in advance?

It is possible that a payment of the rent for a certain period will be demanded in advance. This is not contradictory to law. You may also be asked to deposit a security, which will be returned to you after the termination of the rent. However, it is necessary to make a written agreement thereabout, in which the landlord will confirm by his signature the handing over of the money.

How do I pay the rent?

The amount of the rent and the method of paying the rent are specified in the occupational lease. It may be for example in cash or by transfer to a bank account. The rent is usually paid once a month.

How often and by what amount could my rent be increased?

The rent increase is based on the terms and conditions of the occupational lease. For flats with a controlled rent it is based on legal regulations, in 2002 these are specified in the Price Notification of the Ministry of Finance.

How do I pay for services and how is their accounting implemented?

You pay for services provided in connection with habitation in the form of advance payments jointly with the rent payment. Advance payments on the services are set by the landlord according to the number of persons registered in the flat and estimated consumption. For some services, the amount of the reimbursement is set according to the floor area. Once a year, accounting of advance payments based on the actual consumption is carried out. If the balance after the accounting shows an over payment, this sum will be returned to you. If it shows an outstanding balance, you are bound to pay it. Advance payments for the next year may be adjusted with respect to the result of the service accounting. If you disagree with the accounting balance, you are entitled to make a complaint.

What shall I do, when my occupational lease has ceased ?

On the day, when the occupational lease ceases, you must move out of the flat. By operation of law you do not have any further right to this flat. You either have to find a new flat, or try to reach an agreement with the landlord about if you can still live in the flat. However, in this case it is necessary to conclude a new occupational lease.

When moving out it is necessary to personally hand over the flat and the keys to the owner and it is advisable to write up the Report on Handing over the Flat.

How can I terminate the flat rent before the period arranged in the occupational lease expires?

You must ask the flat owner for the termination of the flat rent by agreement. The rent termination agreement should be drawn up in writing and stipulate the date, on which the renting ceases. This could be any date. If the owner does not want to come to an agreement with you over the flat rent termination, you may terminate renting without his approval by giving him a written notice of the flat renting termination. Pursuant to law, for this case of rent termination, a three-month notice period, which cannot be shortened, is in force. The notice period starts its course on the first day of the following month from when the notice was delivered to the owner.

How to register a flatmate's residence with the police?

If you are the owner of a flat (a house), for registration of your flatmate, the Alien Police Department will require only a filled in statutory declaration and an abstract from the Land Register con. rming you are the owner of the house (flat). If the real estate has more joint owners named on the abstract from the Land Register, the approval in the form of a statutory declaration will be required from all of them.

In the case that you have an occupational lease of a flat, you can give to your flatmate - foreigner a statutory declaration for the Alien Police Department stating that you are going to allow him to live in your rented flat and simultaneously you will submit your occupational lease for the flat. You must also produce the approval of the landlord. The Alien Police Department requires that all these documents be in the form of officially verified copies.

What to do if neighbours behave inappropriately?

If the problematic behaviour of a neighbour cannot be solved by agreement, you may ask the Police to take action against him. You may also inform the landlord in writing about the neighbour's inappropriate behaviour. Repeated and serious cases of inappropriate behaviour can be a reason for the landlord giving your neighbour notice to quit.

What constructional adaptation s may be carried out in the flat?

All constructional adaptation s in the flat must be carried out with the written approval of the owner and permission of the Building Control Department. It is not dependent on who finances the adaptations. Adaptations, which do not require planning permission, are listed in the Construction Act. However, the approval of the owner is always necessary. If you implement some constructional adaptations without his approval, this constitutes a reason for giving notice of the flat renting termination (the court must approve the termination).

Who shall I approach if the owner violates legal regulations and does not observe the occupational lease?

First of all try to settle the situation by talking it over with the owner. If this does not help, you may appeal to the court. It is necessary to have written documents concerning the points of issue (e.g. to send the owner a written notification of the problem and keep a copy).

It is useful to consult a solicitor and possibly ask him to accompany you when negotiating with the owner.