Renting an Apartment in Prague 2026: Lease, Deposit and Move-in Checklist
Renting an apartment in Prague means more than agreeing on monthly rent. New tenants should review the lease, security deposit, service charges and condition of the property before handing over money.
A properly documented move-in makes it easier to resolve disagreements about damage, utilities and the return of the deposit when the tenancy ends.
Use the official Czech housing guidance to check your rights rather than relying on assumptions made in an advertisement.
What should be in a Czech rental agreement?
According to the Ministry for Regional Development, a useful rental agreement identifies the parties and property and explains duration, rent, utility advances, payment deadlines and termination conditions.
How much is the apartment security deposit?
A security deposit is agreed rather than automatically required. Under Czech rules, the deposit together with any contractual penalty must not exceed three months' rent, excluding service charges. The landlord must return the remaining deposit at the end of the tenancy and the tenant is entitled to statutory interest.
What to check before paying
Confirm that the person offering the apartment is entitled to rent it out. Check the address, what furnishings are included and which payments are refundable. Avoid transferring money before the landlord's identity and the contract are clear.
Why a handover report matters
The official housing guide recommends recording existing defects, meter readings, furniture and the number of keys. Take dated photos before moving your belongings in.
Who pays for electricity and gas?
The contract should say whether utility costs are paid as advances to the landlord or directly to the supplier. When accounts are transferred, record meter readings accurately to avoid being charged for previous consumption.
What to do at the end of the lease
Arrange a written handover, return the keys and ask for settlement of the deposit. Keep a copy of the original report, final readings, photographs and payment records in case there is a dispute.
