Nájemní smlouva: co musíte vědět, aby vás nezaskočily skryté podmínky

When signing a nájemní smlouva, právní dokument, který upravuje vztah mezi nájemcem a pronajímatelom. Also known as smlouva o nájmu bytu, it is the only thing that protects you if something goes wrong — whether it’s a sudden rent increase, a broken heater, or an eviction notice. Many people sign it without reading, thinking it’s just a formality. But in Czechia, where rental disputes are common, this document can save you thousands or even keep you in your home.

A nájemní záruka, částka, kterou nájemce zajišťuje před vstupem do bytu jako záruka za poškození nebo nezaplacené nájemné by default can’t exceed three monthly rents. If your landlord asks for more, it’s illegal. And don’t let them call it a "deposit" or "insurance" — if it’s not clearly labeled as a nájemní záruka in writing, you can demand it back in full. Similarly, nájemní poplatek, pravidelná částka za užívání bytu, která musí být v smlouvě jasně uvedena v korunách can’t be changed mid-contract unless both parties agree — and even then, only once a year. Landlords often try to sneak in "service fees" for cleaning or maintenance. These aren’t legal unless they’re part of the original rent and clearly itemized.

What about repairs? If the washing machine breaks, it’s the landlord’s job — not yours. The law says the property must be habitable. If the heating fails in winter, you can demand immediate action. If they don’t respond, you can pay for the repair yourself and deduct the cost from next month’s rent. You don’t need their permission. Just send a written notice first. And yes, you can record conversations with your landlord if they’re harassing you — it’s legal in Czechia as long as you’re part of the conversation.

Some landlords try to force you into a one-year contract, but you’re not obligated to sign longer than six months. After that, the contract automatically renews month by month. And if they want to kick you out, they need a valid reason — not just "I want to sell it." You have the right to stay unless they prove they need the flat for themselves or close family, and even then, they must give you at least three months’ notice and offer alternative housing if you’re elderly or have children.

Don’t forget to check the nájemní práva, právní ochrana nájemce, která zahrnuje právo na klid, bezpečnost a opravy — they’re not just words on paper. You have the right to install shelves, paint walls, or even add a lock on your door — as long as you restore the original state when you leave. No landlord can forbid it. And if they claim you "damaged" the floor because you used a rug? They need photos from move-in day to prove it. If they don’t have them, you win.

The posts below show real cases from people who’ve been there — from how to spot a fake contract to what to do when the landlord disappears after the deposit. You’ll find practical checklists, templates for written notices, and how to handle the most common traps. No legal jargon. Just what works in Czech apartments right now.