Who Pays for Repairs in a Czech Rental: Tenant or Landlord?

When something breaks in a rented flat, the first question is often not who can fix it but who should pay. Czech law gives a framework, and your lease adds the details.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. If you are in a dispute, consider speaking to a lawyer or a tenants' advice service.

The basic rule

Under the Czech Civil Code, the tenant carries out and pays for minor repairs (drobné opravy) and routine maintenance (běžná údržba) of the flat. The landlord is responsible for keeping the flat in a condition fit for the agreed use, which generally means other repairs are theirs to arrange and pay for.

What counts as a minor repair and routine maintenance is defined in more detail in a government regulation — see Sources below.

What usually counts as a minor repair

The regulation lists specific types of small repair, and also treats repairs below a certain cost as minor. There is also an annual limit on the total a tenant has to pay for minor repairs, linked to the flat's floor area. In practice, this means things like replacing a washer in a dripping tap or a broken light switch are often the tenant's responsibility, while replacing a boiler or rewiring a room is not.

Because the exact amounts and lists matter, check the current text of the regulation, and your lease, before assuming who pays.

What usually belongs to the landlord

Larger repairs to plumbing, heating and electrical installations.
Replacing appliances that came with the flat and have reached the end of their life (unless you damaged them).
Anything beyond the minor-repair limits.

Damage caused by you or your guests is a different matter: you will normally be expected to pay for it.

How to report a problem

Tell your landlord promptly. Tenants are expected to report damage the landlord should fix without undue delay. Waiting can make the damage worse — and you could be asked to cover the difference.
Put it in writing. A short email or text with the date, what happened and photos.
Let the landlord arrange the repair unless your lease says otherwise or you agree differently in writing.
If it is urgent and you cannot reach the landlord, take reasonable steps to prevent further damage (for example, shut off the water) and keep receipts.

Before you sign a lease

Ask how repairs are reported and who the landlord usually sends.
Check whether appliances are included and listed in the handover record (předávací protokol).
Photograph the flat at handover, including meter readings.

Sources

Czech Civil Code (Act No. 89/2012 Coll.), provisions on residential leases: zakonyprolidi.cz
Government Regulation No. 308/2015 Coll., defining routine maintenance and minor repairs: zakonyprolidi.cz