Rent, utilities and the annual settlement

Rent in Prague is normally quoted without services. The advertised figure plus 'poplatky' or 'energie' is what you actually pay each month, so always ask for the total.

How the monthly payment is usually built

• Rent itself (nájemné).
• Advance payments for services (zálohy na služby): heating, hot and cold water, lift, communal lighting, cleaning, waste.
• Electricity and gas, which may be included in the advances or held in your own name with the supplier.
• Internet and television, usually separate and in your name.

The annual settlement

Advances are estimates. Once a year the building settles the real consumption against what you paid (vyúčtování), and you either receive a refund or are asked for the difference. Keep the statements: this is also where meter readings from your handover record matter.

• Ask what last year's settlement looked like before signing — it tells you the real cost of the flat.
• If electricity or gas is in your name, transfer the contract on the handover date with a recorded meter reading.
• Radio and television fees are charged per household and are usually the tenant's responsibility.