The lease agreement, and what to check before signing

A residential lease (nájemní smlouva) must be in writing. A verbal agreement can still create rights for a tenant, but it leaves you with almost nothing to prove — never move in on a handshake.

What the contract should state

• The flat, precisely: address, floor, flat number and what is included.
• The rent, and separately the payments for utilities and building services.
• The deposit amount and the conditions for returning it.
• Whether the lease is fixed-term or open-ended, and how it renews.
• Notice periods and how notice must be delivered.
• Who may live there, and rules on pets, subletting and registering your residence at the address.
• A handover record (předávací protokol) with meter readings and the condition of the flat.

Only the owner can let the flat

Check the ownership entry in the land register (katastr nemovitostí) — a basic extract is available online and is cheap. The name on the extract should be the name on the contract, or the contract should be signed by someone holding a written power of attorney from that owner.

Red flags

• The 'landlord' cannot show ownership, or avoids the question.
• A municipally-owned flat being sublet by its tenant. This happens in Prague and is usually not permitted — you can lose the flat with no protection.
• Pressure to pay a deposit or reservation fee before viewing, or before any written contract exists.
• Rent asked for in cash with no receipt and no written contract.
• A refusal to give written confirmation of accommodation, which foreign nationals need for residence paperwork.
• Clauses letting the landlord enter freely, raise rent at will, or keep the deposit without stated reasons.

Take your time. Ask for the draft contract by email, read it away from the viewing, and have a Czech speaker check anything you are unsure about.