Understanding real estate terminology in Czech Republic: A guide for guests

Finding a place to rent in the Czech Republic can be exciting yet overwhelming, especially if you're not familiar with the local real estate terms. Whether you’re looking for a spacious apartments to rent in Czechia or a private room for rent in Brno, knowing the right terminology will make the process more enjoyable and smoother.

Here’s a guide to help you navigate your rental journey in the Czech Republic:

Types of housing

1. Byt vs. Apartmán
   
   • Byt: This is the most common term that refers to an apartment and is usually used in the context of long-term rental housing in Prague.
   • Apartmán: Often used to refer to short-term vacation rentals or luxury properties, and may suggest a furnished, smaller living space.
2. Dům
   
   • Dům: A house, which can range from a large detached house to a small family home, commonly found in rural or suburban areas.
   • Rodinný dům: A family house, usually a standalone home.
3. Podkrovní byt
   
   • Podkrovní byt: Refers to a loft or attic apartment, typically located on the top floor and featuring sloped ceilings.

Number of rooms

1. Bedrooms (Ložnice)
   
   • Ložnice: Refers to the bedroom. In apartment listings, the number of rooms is usually indicated as 2+kk or 3+1.
   • 2+kk: An apartment that has two rooms, where one of the rooms is a kitchen corner (kuchyňský kout). 
   • 3+1: An apartment featuring three rooms and a separate kitchen. This format is common in rental listings in the Czech Republic.
2. Bathrooms (Koupelna)
   
   • Koupelna: Bathroom. Listings typically indicate if the bathroom has a bathtub (vana) or shower (sprcha). 
   • Samostatné WC: Refers to a separate toilet, which is quite common in many Czech homes.
3. Obývací pokoj
   
   • Obývací pokoj: Living room, also known as the common area or the main sitting of the home.

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Important terms

1. Zařízený vs. Nezařízený
   
   • Zařízený: Furnished. This refers to an apartment that comes with furniture and appliances.
   • Nezařízený: Unfurnished. You’ll have to provide your own furniture and appliances.
2. Sklep
   
   • Sklep: A cellar or basement storage room, which is often included with apartments for extra storage space.
3. Garáž
   
   • Garáž: Garage
4. Vytápění a klimatizace 
   
   • Vytápění: Heating. Could be individual (individuální) or central (centrální). 
   • Klimatizace: Air conditioning, which is more common in new buildings. 
5. Nájemní smlouva
   
   • Nájemní smlouva: Rental contract or lease agreement. This document details the amount of rent, lease term, and everything that’s included in the rental.
6. Kauce
   
   • Kauce: Security deposit, typically the equivalent of one to three months' rent, depending on the decision of the landlord.

Utilities and extras

1. Poplatky za služby
   
   • Poplatky za služby: Service charges, which is meant to cover the cost of building maintenance, shared utilities in apartment buildings, and garbage collection. 
2. Energie
   
   • Energie: Utilities like gas (plyn), electricity (elektřina), and water (voda). In some cases, these are not included in the rental price and are paid separately by the person who rents the accommodation. 

Rental process terms

1. Nájemce vs. Pronajímatel
   
   • Nájemce: The person who rents the accommodation.
     Pronajímatel: Property owner or landlord.
2. Délka nájmu
   
   • Délka nájmu: The duration of the rental contract. Most contracts are either long-term (dlouhodobý) or short-term (krátkodobý). 
3. Rezervační poplatek
   
   • Rezervační poplatek: Reservation fee. Some landlords may request this fee for securing the rental until the lease is signed.

Renting tips

• Research neighborhoods: Consider how close the accommodation is to public transport, shops, workplace, coworking spaces, and cafes. Central locations in cities like Prague are obviously more expensive but offer access to more amenities and convenience.
• Check what’s included: Always ask if service fees (poplatky za služby) and utilities (energie) are included in the rent or if they need to be paid separately.
• Read the lease carefully: Before signing the nájemní smlouva, you should make sure that you understand all the terms, including the amount of the kauce, duration of the lease, and rules for termination.
• Inspect the property: Before moving in, remember to inspect the accommodation for any damage and make sure that all appliances are working. Document any issues as it helps avoid potential disputes when moving out.
• Know your rights: Familiarize yourself with your rights as a tenant in the Czech Republic. These include laws and regulations regarding increases in rent, eviction procedures, and other protections under Czech law.

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Flatio: Accommodation for rent in Czechia  

Are you looking for flexible and cheap rentals in Prague? Just take a look at Flatio.com. There you will find the following accommodations and more! 

• Fully furnished apartments in Czechia 
• Fully furnished houses in Czechia 
• Beachfront villas in Czechia 
• Private rooms for rent in Czechia 
• Accommodation for students in Czechia 
• Cheap accommodation to rent for digital nomads in Czechia 
• Accommodation for couples in Czechia  
• Pet-friendly rentals in Czechia  
• Kid-friendly rentals in Czechia 
• Short-term stays in Prague 
• Flexible monthly stays in Czechia 
• Long-term stays in Czechia 

And you can find rental accommodation, including cheap apartments for rent and furnished flats, in various parts of the Czech Republic. Take a look at the following listings and more: 

• Rentals in Prague 
• Rentals in Brno 
• Rentals in Teplice
• Rentals in Říčany
• Rentals in Pavlov
• Rentals in Plzeň
• Rentals in Olomouc
• Rentals in Ostrava
• Rentals in Karlovy Vary

COVER IMAGE Source: Photo by Rodrigo Ardilha on Unsplash