Renting an Apartment in the Czech Republic as an Expat: How It Works

Posted on by Jan Marek

Renting in the Czech Republic is straightforward once you know the vocabulary, the usual costs and the tenant protections in the Civil Code. Prague is the most expensive and competitive market, while Brno, Ostrava and smaller cities cost noticeably less. Rents change quickly, so use the figures here as a guide to what to compare, not as quotes.

Understanding Czech Listings

Flats are described by the number of rooms plus kitchen type. A 2+kk has two rooms and a kitchenette, usually one bedroom and a living room, while a 2+1 has two rooms and a separate kitchen. A 1+kk is a studio. Rents are quoted in Czech crowns (CZK), and listings often show the rent and the monthly charges for services and utilities separately, so add them together to compare.

Rents depend heavily on the city, district, size and whether the flat is furnished. Prague is the most expensive, Brno is usually cheaper, and Ostrava and smaller cities are cheaper still. Check current asking prices on the portals below for the district you want, because averages published a year ago may already be out of date.

Where to Search

  • Sreality.cz: The largest Czech portal, with listings from agencies and private landlords.
  • Bezrealitky.cz: Listings directly from owners, so there are no agent commissions.
  • Estate agents: Useful if you do not speak Czech. Ask who pays the fee and how much it is before you view anything.
  • Expat Facebook groups and Flatio: Handy for mid-term stays, though check each listing carefully.

Good flats go quickly in Prague, so have your documents ready and respond to new listings the same day.

The Rental Contract

Always get a written contract, preferably in both Czech and English, and read it before signing. It should state the landlord and tenant, the flat, the rent, the monthly service and utility payments, the term and the deposit. Ask for an inventory or handover protocol with photos recording the condition of the flat and the meter readings, because this protects your deposit.

  • Deposit: The Civil Code caps the deposit at three months’ rent, and it must be returned after the lease ends, less any justified deductions. Get a receipt or have it paid to the landlord’s bank account with a clear reference.
  • Fixed term or open-ended: Fixed terms of one year are common. For an open-ended lease, a tenant can generally terminate with three months’ notice, but your contract should state the notice terms, so check them.
  • Landlord termination: Landlords can end a residential lease only on legal grounds, and rent increases are limited by law, though rules can change, so check current provisions.
  • Utilities: Find out what is included. Electricity, gas and internet are usually separate, and you may need to register with the supplier or take over the previous tenant’s contract.

Because the details of tenancy law can be technical, consider having a lawyer or a trusted Czech speaker review the contract if anything is unclear.

Avoiding Rental Scams

  • Never pay a deposit or rent before you have viewed the flat and seen a contract.
  • Be suspicious of prices far below the market, landlords who are “abroad” and ask you to send money, or requests for payment through unusual channels.
  • Check that the person who signs is the owner or has written authority to rent the flat.
  • Use the bank account named in the contract and keep proof of every payment.

Registering Your Address

Non-EU citizens must report their address to the Foreign Police within three working days of arrival. EU citizens must register if staying longer than 30 days. You usually need the landlord’s confirmation of the stay or a copy of the contract, so ask your landlord about this before signing. Our address registration guide explains the process.

Visas and Residence

Your right to rent does not depend on your visa, but some residence permit applications ask for proof of accommodation, and landlords may ask for proof of income. See our visa and permits guide and our cost of living guide for budgeting.

Moving In

Photograph the flat and record the meter readings on the day you move in. Set up internet, which usually takes a few days, and set up household insurance if your landlord requires it. Learn the building’s rules for rubbish separation and quiet hours. For neighbourhood choices, see our guide to the best neighbourhoods for expats in Prague and our living in Prague guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the deposit when renting in the Czech Republic?

The deposit is capped at three months’ rent by the Civil Code, and one to two months is common. Check the contract for the return terms.

Do I need to speak Czech to rent a flat?

No, many agents and landlords in Prague speak English, but the contract and utility paperwork may be in Czech. Ask for an English version or a translation before you sign.

Can foreigners rent a flat in the Czech Republic?

Yes. Foreigners can rent on the same legal basis as Czech citizens, though landlords may ask for proof of income, a deposit and sometimes a residence permit.