Repairs in a Rental Apartment in Prague: Who Pays in 2026?

Landlord and Tenant Responsibilities

A tap is leaking or a socket stops working: who pays? For anyone renting in Prague, understanding how responsibilities are divided helps prevent unexpected expenses. Generally, the landlord must keep the apartment and building fit for use. The tenant is responsible for routine maintenance and minor repairs specified by law. Before arranging any work, it is therefore important to establish which category the problem falls into.

Minor Repairs: New Limits for 2026

From 1 January 2026, the threshold for repairs classified according to their cost rises from CZK 1,000 to CZK 1,500 per repair. The annual threshold increases from CZK 100 to CZK 150 per square metre. However, CZK 1,500 is not a universal cap: the regulation distinguishes specifically listed repairs, classified by their nature, from other repairs, where cost determines the classification. The invoice total alone does not establish who pays.

Routine Maintenance and Repairs: The Differences

Minor repairs include certain work on taps, switches and sockets. Routine maintenance includes activities such as cleaning and repainting. This distinction matters because the annual threshold applies to minor repairs, rather than all maintenance expenses paid by the tenant. The technician’s travel costs remain payable by the tenant and are excluded from the thresholds for minor repairs.

The Annual Threshold: A Practical Example

For an apartment with a relevant floor area of 50 m², the annual threshold is CZK 7,500. Once expenditure on minor repairs exceeds this threshold, subsequent repairs within the same calendar year are no longer classified as minor repairs payable by the tenant. Keeping invoices and receipts makes it easier to track accumulated expenses and discuss how to handle another repair with the landlord.

How to Handle a Fault in Your Apartment

When a problem arises, promptly notify the landlord or property manager and document it with photographs. Clarify who will arrange the repair and, for non-urgent work, agree on the arrangements and costs beforehand. For anyone renting or managing an apartment in Prague, clear responsibilities, timely communication and documented expenses help prevent misunderstandings. Understanding these rules makes it easier to handle unexpected problems and manage the relationship between landlord and tenant.

Source: Czech Government Regulation No. 308/2015 — routine maintenance and minor repairs, updated text.

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