While finding an apartment to rent in a foreign country can seem overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be. The Czech rental market has become increasingly user-friendly, with strong tenant protections, growing English-language support, and transparent digital platforms. However, understanding the legal framework and tenant responsibilities is crucial for a safe and successful renting experience.
There are several ways to find rental apartments in Prague and other cities.
For English-friendly support, Renting in Czechia is particularly helpful in discovering what to know when renting property. It provides practical guides, tenant rights advice, and multilingual help specifically tailored for foreigners. This is a great resource to learn about general information, housing cost, communication with landlords, and housing contracts in the Czech Republic.
Real estate websites like Bezrealitky.cz, Sreality.cz, and UlovDomov.cz list thousands of current rental listings for the Czech Republic and additional European countries. Bezrealitky.cz, in particular, provides one of the best ways to connect renters with private landlords, as it leads them straight to the owner with no agency fees.
Additonal sites like Sreality, Reality.bazos, and Reality.idnes offers access to both real estate agencies and individual owners. it should be noted that while using real estate agencies may make it easier to find options, they charge additional fees.
Social circles are another great way to locate potential rentals. Social media, local Facebook groups, university bulletin boards, and employer housing portals can be helpful, especially in smaller cities.
We provide a complete package of services for both landlords and tenants. We will draft or review all lease/rental contracts, help with extension or termination of lease, and make sure everything takes place smoothly and without legal complications. You’re also welcome to pay after services are provided.
A written lease agreement is mandatory when renting in the Czech Republic, and you should not enter into a rental arrangement without one. The lease agreement serves as a legal protection for both parties, especially the tenant, who is considered the weaker party under the law.
The lease agreement should clearly specify the duration of the lease. If the length of time is not explicitly stated, it is automatically considered to be for an indefinite period. For fixed-term leases, the agreement ends on the stated expiration date unless both parties agree to renew it. Additionally, if the lease does not explicitly call for early termination, it can only be disolved for specific legal reasons defined by law. Landlords are only allowed to terminate a lease for serious, legally defined reasons, such as failure to pay rent.
In addition to the lease term, the contract should provide detailed information about the condition of the apartment and the items included in the rental. This often involves attaching photo documentation, a list of furnishings and equipment, the status of utility and the number of keys handed over at the start of the tenancy. These elements help prevent disputes and establish a clear baseline for the condition of the property.
The agreement should also include important details such as the monthly rent, payment of utilities, the amount of the security deposit, and responsibilities for maintenance. According to Section 2254(1) of the Czech Civil Code, the landlord cannot require a security deposit that exceeds three months of rent, as it would constitute a legal violation. Upon termination of the lease, the landlord is required to return the deposit within one month, provided no damages or unpaid obligations remain.
How to end the lease without disagreements and complications with the landlord? We will try to answer these and other questions in our article.
Some buildings have internal house rules, including noise curfews, pet bans, smoking restrictions, garbage disposal times and maintenance duties. Failure to follow these rules may lead to warnings or fines. Tenants must respect both building rules and municipal codes, such as quiet hours from 10pm to 6am. Finally, a tenant is protected by law, even if they are a foreigner. Lease extensions, rent increases and terminations all must follow strict legal procedure.
The landlord must maintain the apartment in a habitable condition for the tenant. They are also in charge of structural repairs, heating and plumbing, unless the damage was caused by the tenant.
Landlords have additional options and responsibilities provided for them, such as free credit checks for landlords. This allows them to check a tenant’s reliability by accessing free online websites to see if the potential tenant has unpaid debts or enforcement and bankruptcies. If needed, they are also allowed to ask for additional documentation such as proof of income or bank account statements.
Foreigners from the EU can stay in Czechia without a permit for up to 90 days, and can apply for a temporary residence certificate. They also have access to the Czech labor market without restriction. In contrast, foreigners from third countries have stricter rules. They will need a visa or residence permit to enter and stay for longer periods of time. The permit is often limited based on the purpose of the stay (work, education, travel).
When entering a lease agreement in Czechia, foreigners are also allowed to request additional information or accommodations. In addition to the standard tasks that ever landlord has, such as preparing a contract, checking payments and maintaining the condition of the property, foreigners can also request language and document translations, custom start/end dates, furnishing flexibility or a break down of costs. Addressing some of these topics in the lease agreement can be mandatory and require attention to avoid problems with authorities.
Rental prices vary significantly by region. Prague is the most expensive, with average rents for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center ranging from CZK 20,000–30,000 (€800–1,200) per month (Expats.cz, 2024). Other cities like Brno or Ostrava tend to be more affordable, ranging from CZK 8,000- 22,000 CZK (€400- 800) per month.
To assess prices by location, use the interactive price map provided by the Ministry of Finance of the Czech Republic, which breaks down regional rent costs.
Regular housing costs in the Czech Republic often include basic rent (the money paid monthly by the tenant for the property itself), services (split between residents and should be listed in the lease agreement: water, lighting, etc) and utilities (electricity and gas)
With rents and pricing rising, and demand for housing expected to grow amid a shortage of new construction projects, delaying a decision could lead to higher prices. Older properties may be more affordable and readily available.
When looking for a potential rental property, look out for possible scams as well as fraudulent and unrealistic offers. Here are some ways to be safe and careful.
Other red flags include
We provide a complete package of services for both landlords and tenants. We will draft or review all lease/rental contracts, help with extension or termination of lease, and make sure everything takes place smoothly and without legal complications. You’re also welcome to pay after services are provided.
Ondřej is the attorney who came up with the idea of providing legal services online. He's been earning his living through legal services for more than 10 years. He especially likes to help clients who may have given up hope in solving their legal issues at work, for example with real estate transfers or copyright licenses.
In person and online. Just choose the appropriate service or opt for an independent consultation when you are unsure.
