Important. This guide explains the general rules of Czech law (above all the Civil Code — zákon č. 89/2012 Sb., občanský zákoník, Section 2201 et seq.). It is not a substitute for individual legal advice. In a complicated situation, contact a lawyer (advokát) or a free advice service (contacts in the last chapter).
How to read rental listings
Czech listings are full of abbreviations. Here is what they mean:
| In the listing | What it means |
|---|---|
| 1+kk, 2+kk, 3+kk | Number of rooms + kuchyňský kout — kitchen combined with the living room. “2+kk” = living room with kitchen + 1 bedroom. |
| 1+1, 2+1, 3+1 | Number of rooms + separate kitchen. “2+1” = 2 rooms + separate kitchen. |
| Garsoniéra / garsonka | Small studio flat (usually 1+kk or 1+0). |
| Mezonet | Two-level flat (maisonette). |
| Cihla / Panel | Brick building (better sound insulation) / prefabricated panel building. |
| Novostavba / po rekonstrukci | New build / renovated. |
| Zařízený / částečně zařízený / nezařízený | Furnished / partly furnished / unfurnished. “Nezařízený” often means only the kitchen and bathroom are equipped. |
| Nájem 20 000 Kč + poplatky 3 500 Kč | Rent + advance payments for services (water, heating, cleaning, lift). Electricity and gas are often separate. |
| Energie zvlášť / energie v ceně | Energy (electricity, gas) paid separately / already included in the price. |
| Vratná kauce 2 nájmy | Refundable deposit equal to two months’ rent, returned when the tenancy ends. |
| RK neplatíte / bez provize | You pay the agency nothing — the owner pays for its services. |
| Provize RK | Agency fee — often one month’s rent (+ VAT). |
| PENB, třída G–A | Energy rating of the building: A — very efficient, G — very inefficient (high heating bills). |
| Balkon / lodžie / terasa / sklep | Balcony / loggia (enclosed or recessed) / terrace / cellar (storage in the basement). |
| Volné ihned / k nastěhování od 1. 11. | Available now / move-in from 1 November. |
| Nekuřák, bez zvířat | Non-smokers only, no pets (see chapter 10 for what the law says about pets). |
| OV / DV | Osobní vlastnictví (private ownership) / družstevní vlastnictví (cooperative flat — let by a member of the housing cooperative). |
Floor area. In Prague, compare the price per m². If the rent is noticeably lower than similar listings of the same size and condition, be careful (see chapter 2).
Where to look and how to avoid scams
Where to look
- Portals: Sreality.cz, Bezrealitky.cz (no agencies), iDNES Reality, Bazoš.cz, UlovDomov.cz.
- Facebook and Telegram groups — many offers from owners, but also more risk.
- Real estate agencies (realitní kancelář) — convenient, but there may be a fee. Always ask about it in advance and get it in writing.
- Tip: set up alerts (hlídací pes) on the portals — new listings will arrive by e-mail. Good flats in Prague disappear within 1–3 days.
How to spot a scammer
Never pay a deposit or a “reservation fee” before you have seen the flat in person and signed the contract. A typical scheme: “I am abroad, send the deposit and the keys will come by courier.”
- The price is noticeably lower than similar listings.
- The “owner” cannot show the flat, rushes you, puts on pressure (“three more people are interested today”).
- Asks for payment via Western Union, cryptocurrency, to a foreign account, or in cash without a receipt.
- The photos of the flat appear on other websites (check with a reverse image search).
- Refuses to show a document proving that the flat belongs to them.
How to check the owner for free
- Open nahlizenidokn.cuzk.gov.cz (the land register).
- Choose “Vyhledat jednotku” (flat) or “Vyhledat stavbu” (building) and enter the address.
- The owner’s name in the register must match the person signing the contract. If someone else signs (an agent, a relative), they must show a power of attorney (plná moc).
- A cooperative flat (DV) is rented by a member of the cooperative, who sublets it to you. If the member does not live there permanently, they need the cooperative’s written consent (Section 2275 OZ).
🔒 The rest is available after purchase
Access for 12 months from payment. After your bank transfer you will receive an e-mail with the invoice. Enter its number and your e-mail here — access unlocks instantly.
I have an access key
🔒 How much does renting in Prague cost
🔒 Viewing a flat: what to check and what to ask
🔒 Documents for the landlord and your personal data
🔒 The lease contract (nájemní smlouva)
🔒 Deposit, rent and services
🔒 Moving in: handover protocol, energy, internet, insurance
🔒 Address registration for foreigners
🔒 Living in a rented flat
🔒 Rent increases and the annual service statement
🔒 How to end the tenancy and get your deposit back
🔒 Ready-made letters and templates (in Czech with translation)
🔒 Tenant’s phrasebook (Czech — English)
🔒 Big rental dictionary (Czech — English)
🔒 Frequently asked questions
🔒 Checklists and useful contacts
Any questions? Write to us · WhatsApp +420 776 617 928