Czech Republic Rental Laws: Pro-landlord, Neutral or Pro-tenant?

Czech Republic's landlord and tenant laws are judged by the Global Property Guide to be slightly Pro-Tenant between landlord and tenant. Overall, the system aims to create a fair and balanced rental market, but with a slight emphasis on securing tenants’ housing stability.

Rents: Can landlord and tenant freely agree rents in the Czech Republic?

There are no legal limits or government-imposed rent controls on privately negotiated lease agreements, whether residential or commercial. 

According to the provisions of the Civil Code, a rent increase can only be proposed no sooner than one year after the previous increase. Additionally, the law limits the total rent increase to a maximum of 20% over a three-year period. For example, if your current rent is CZK 15,000, it may only be increased by up to CZK 3,000 within three years.

Deposits

Lease agreements typically include a provision for a security deposit. While the law allows the deposit to be as high as three months’ rent, it is more commonly set at one or two months. The amount is determined by the landlord and is generally not open to negotiation.

What rights do landlords and tenants have in the Czech Republic, especially as to duration of contract, and eviction?

Most leases are signed for a one-year term. They may include a clause allowing for early termination, with notice periods typically ranging from one to three months. In the absence of such a clause—or if the lease does not specify a fixed end date, which is rare, especially for leases involving foreigners—Czech law requires a standard notice period of three months to terminate the agreement early.

Landlords are not allowed to charge tenants for normal wear and tear. However, it's a good idea to thoroughly clean the flat before returning it to avoid any disputes or potential deductions from your security deposit.

The lease agreement typically outlines the landlord’s expectations regarding the condition of the flat upon return. Some landlords may require that you repaint the walls or cover the cost of repainting. Be sure to review these conditions carefully before signing the lease.

How effective is the Czech legal system?

A landlord can seek eviction if a tenant:

• Fails to pay rent (usually for at least three months),

• Violates the lease terms (e.g., subletting without permission, damaging the property),

• Uses the property for illegal activities,

• Otherwise breaches legal obligations or contractual duties.

• The landlord must give written notice stating the reason for termination.

• The notice period is usually three months, unless the lease specifies otherwise.

• In serious cases (e.g., gross misconduct), the landlord can give immediate notice, but still must follow legal steps.

Legislation

In the Czech Republic, tenant and landlord relations are primarily governed by the Civil Code (specifically Act No. 89/2012 Coll., the Civil Code effective from January 1, 2014).

Brief history: Recent changes in Czech landlord and tenant law

Under communism, the state took over most housing. In 1959, enterprise and co-operative housing were introduced.

After the 1991 economic reform, housing was not high on the agenda. There was no large-scale 'right to buy' in the Czech Republic; instead, many dwellings were restituted to former owners. In Inner Prague, 75% of all dwellings were restituted. High figures are generally applied to city centres. Meanwhile, the municipalities, which took over much state housing, have been slowly privatizing. There remains a sharp divide between the 'free' sector of dwellings built after 1993 (and dwellings with vacant possession or rented to foreigners), and the controlled sector. The government is slowly narrowing the gap by a) raising controlled rents; b) introducing compensatory income subsidies.