How to Prepare for a Move-Out Clean in Prague

The end of a lease usually means a handover with your landlord, a check of the flat's condition, and — eventually — the return of your deposit (kauce or jistota). A thorough clean, and good records, make that process smoother.

Start with your lease

Check your lease (nájemní smlouva) and the original handover record (předávací protokol) for anything about:

• the condition the flat must be returned in;
• repainting (malování) at the end of the lease;
• professional cleaning of carpets or curtains.

If something is unclear, ask your landlord in writing well before the moving date.

Agree the scope with your cleaner

"Move-out clean" means different things to different companies. Send a written list and ask for a price for exactly that. Typical items to discuss:

• Kitchen: inside the oven, fridge, freezer, dishwasher and cupboards; extractor hood; tiles.
• Bathroom: limescale on taps, shower and tiles; toilet; mirrors.
• Windows: inside only, or inside and out? Frames and sills?
• Floors: vacuuming, mopping; carpet cleaning if required.
• Balcony or cellar (sklep), if you used one.

Ask whether the cleaner brings products and equipment, and how long the job will take.

Timing

Book the clean after the movers have taken everything out, but before the handover. Leave time to check the result and fix anything missed.

At the handover

• Walk through the flat with your landlord and note any issues in a handover record, signed by both of you.
• Photograph every room — with timestamps — including the inside of appliances.
• Record meter readings (electricity, gas, water) with photos.
• Return all keys and note how many in the record.

Your deposit

Your landlord can usually deduct unpaid rent, utilities or the cost of damage beyond normal wear and tear from the deposit. Normal wear and tear from living in the flat is not damage. If you disagree with a deduction, ask for the reasons and the costs in writing.

Useful Czech words