Expats seeking accommodation in the Czech Republic will be pleased to know that the country has a variety of homes to suit all needs, tastes and budgets. In addition, there are a few restrictions on foreigners when it comes to buying and renting property.
Most expats moving to the Czech Republic opt to rent accommodation rather than buy, at least initially.
Types of accommodation in the Czech Republic
There is a wide variety of rental options for expats, and apartments and houses alike can be found in styles ranging from contemporary to baroque and beyond. There are also Soviet era apartment buildings available, but they are best avoided, as many are in poor condition due to poor construction and maintenance.
Furnished vs unfurnished
Furnished, semi-furnished and unfurnished accommodation is available in the Czech Republic, with a variety of properties available in Prague, especially. Furnished properties will usually include everything from appliances to linens, while semi-furnished rentals will likely come with only big-ticket appliances.
Expats should note that furnished rentals are likely to be pricer than their semi-furnished and unfurnished counterparts. Many single expats choose to rent rooms in shared flats or houses, while couples and families often prefer to rent bigger apartments or houses for themselves.
Short lets
With the proliferation of Airbnb, short lets have become increasingly popular over the last few years. Many expats initially opt for a short let when they first move to the Czech Republic. This is an affordable way to experience life like a local in a particular neighbourhood before committing to a long-term contract. It is also an ideal option for expats who will only be in the country for the short term and want to avoid costly hotels.
Useful links
Finding accommodation in the Czech Republic
Accommodation can be found in newspapers, online, or through a local real estate agent, and should ideally be secured in person and in advance. If it’s not possible to travel to the country before moving there to secure accommodation, the next best option is to initially stay in short-term accommodation while looking for something suitable for the long term.
Websites aimed at the expat market generally list accommodation at a high markup compared to what locals pay. Expats with a good grasp of Czech who can understand and use local websites will be able to find accommodation at lower prices.
Useful links
Renting accommodation in the Czech Republic
Making an application
The process for renting accommodation in the Czech Republic is fairly straightforward. Expats will need to first find a property they like and then contact the landlord or real estate agent to request a viewing. Once they are satisfied with the apartment, they will need to make an application and submit the requested documents, including their passport as well as proof of employment and income.
Deposits and fees
When renting accommodation, a deposit equivalent to one or two months’ rent is usually required. Lessees who find an apartment through an agent will also have to pay a commission fee – usually one month’s rent – once they have found an apartment.
Leases
Once an application to rent is accepted, expats will need to negotiate and sign their lease agreement.
Leases can be for either an indefinite term or a fixed term, such as six months or one year. It’s essential for expats to differentiate between a lease (nájem) and a sublease (podnájem), as these leases have different legal meanings and requirements.
There are usually two versions of the lease: one in Czech and the other an English translation. In any legal matter, the lease in Czech will be prioritised. Expats should have a Czech-speaking friend or, preferably, a professional translator review both contracts to ensure the terms are the same.
Termination of the lease
Typically, both tenants and landlords must give each other at least three months’ notice before terminating the lease. This could differ depending on individual rental contracts, however.
By law, after a tenant vacates a property, the deposit must be returned to the tenant in full within one month. This is provided it’s left in good condition; if anything is damaged or broken, costs for repair or replacement may be deducted.
To avoid being accused of causing damage that was already there when moving in, expats should take date-stamped pictures of any areas of concern before the start of the lease.
Utilities in the Czech Republic
Utilities are usually not included in the rental price and are to be paid by the tenant. Expats should keep this extra expense in mind when drawing up their budget. The lease should specify the utilities to be paid to the landlord, in addition to the rent.
Electricity
The electricity market in the Czech Republic is deregulated, and CEZ is the country’s largest supplier. Only expats with permanent residency will be allowed to register an electricity or gas account in their names. Otherwise, they will need a guarantor who is an EU citizen. For this reason, most tenants keep the bills in their landlord’s name.
Advance payments based on estimated use are made. When the bill arrives, the difference between the estimated amount and the amount billed is settled.
Gas
The country’s gas market is also deregulated, so expats are free to choose a gas provider in their district. The Czech government sets gas prices, and customers pay a month in advance. Most suppliers issue an annual bill, and, as with electricity, the bill will be adjusted accordingly if users have overpaid or underpaid.
Expats who’d like to register an account or transfer an existing account to their name will need to complete a gas consumption registration application and supply their rental agreement and written permission from their owner for service connection.
Water
Unlike electricity and gas, water accounts cannot be transferred to a tenant’s name. Water bills are typically included in the monthly rental fee and are estimated based on the number of people living in the apartment.
The actual water bill is sent annually, and expats will receive a refund if they use less water than they were initially charged, while they will have to pay the balance if they use more.
Bins and recycling
Local municipalities are responsible for waste management in the Czech Republic. Statistics show that more than 70 percent of the Czech population sorts their waste, so expats moving to the country should be prepared to sort and recycle their waste. The most common way of recycling in the country is using the colour-coded recycling bins placed at sorting hubs.
Different colour bins are reserved for specific types of materials. These bins will typically have stickers dictating what goes into each one. This may vary across towns and villages, as different municipalities provide these bins.
Generally, the blue bins are for paper, the yellow bins are for plastic, and the grey bins are reserved for metal waste. Glass bottles or products are placed in the white bins, but if a white bin is unavailable, expats can place them in the green bins.
Internet
The Czech Republic is home to a sophisticated and highly developed internet infrastructure. Wireless connections are the most common in the country, and expats will have plenty of options for cell phone, internet, landline and television services.
Keeping in Touch in the Czech Republic