9 staggering truths about property rental laws

If you are either a tenant or a landlord in Czech Republic, here are some little-known facts about the new Civil Code governing rental contracts which came into effect from 01/2014.

1. All minor repairs are the responsibility of the tenant

2. The landlord can only give notice for cancellation of a fixed length contract (i.e. 1 year) if: a. the tenant severely violates their obligations under the lease or b. the tenant is convicted of a criminal act against the landlord or their family

3. A tenant can only give notice for cancellation of a fixed length contract (i.e. 1 year) if their living situation has seriously changed (i.e. loss or change of employment, marriage, children, etc.). The notice period is 3 months starting from the first of the following month.

4. A tenant must be paid interest on their damage deposit at the rate stipulated by the Czech National Bank

5. Landlords cannot restrict tenants from having pets

6. A tenant can sub-lease their property without needing consent of the landlord

7. A landlord is not permitted to enter a property without consent of the tenant except in an emergency (i.e. flood, fire, earthquake)

8. A tenant can change the locks on the property without being required to inform the landlord or provide them with a key

9. A tenant has until the 5th day of a month to pay that month’s rent

Note: Most items above have exceptions but in general the above statements are the general rule. For example, with number 5 about pets the tenant couldn’t move in a lion or other dangerous animal.

For more details on the above laws please see our in-depth discussion on landlord tenant laws in Czech Republic: Part 1, Part 2

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by Nathan Brown (Google+) - nathan(at)czechpoint101.com - owner and managing director of Czech Point 101 - "You’re in good hands whether buying, selling or managing property in the Czech Republic."