#LifeInCzechia You found your new apartment in Czechia, signed the lease, paid the deposit, and moved in, ready to live your best expat life. Great! Now let’s talk about something most tenants don’t think about until it’s too late – how not to lose your security deposit when you move out. How should you take care of the apartment? Avoid these mistakes in our article!
Make sure your pet doesn’t damage the apartment.
Losing your deposit (or “kauce” in Czech) is no fun. But do you know what? It’s quite simple to avoid it. Let’s look at some of the key aspects how to be a good neighbour and tenant to prevent any issues.
Respect the Apartment
Just because you pay rent doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want in the apartment. Treat it like it was yours and respect the place. Make sure not to cause any damage to the furniture, walls, and floors, as they are expensive to repair. Use coaster for hot cups and pots, use ashtrays for cigarette butts and whatch out for door frames when moving furniture from one room to another.
Would you like to hang an extra shelf or do any other adjustments? Double-check with the apartment owner whether it’s allowed before doing so.
Squeaky Clean
Hey, you don’t have to polish the floor every day, but regular cleaning of the apartment can save you a lot of money and time. It’s so much easier to clean the bathroom regularly than to try and clean the buildup mess created over the months – or even years!
One hour a week is all you need – hoover the carpets, wash the floors, clean the kitchen stove and bathroom tiles, wipe dust off the shelves, and you’re done!
TIP: Make sure to deep-clean every room before moving out to ensure the best possible conditions
Cooking Smells & Pet Drama
We get it, you love to cook. But ventilate your kitchen — unless you want the curtains and wallpaper to smell like a curry house. Grease on the walls and yellow ceilings aren’t exactly deposit-friendly. Open the windows regularly and clean the stove after cooking.
Also, if you have pets, make sure they don’t destroy the floor, chew the doors, or pee on the walls. You might not notice the funky smell, but your landlord (and the next tenant) will.
Respect Quiet Hours
In the Czech Republic, night quiet hours (or “noční klid” in Czech) start at 10 p.m.. That means no blasting music, loud parties, or yelling in the hallway. If your neighbours complain, that can lead to fines or even eviction.
TIP: Make sure your dog doesn’t bark at night or when you’re at work – even if it’s during the day, constant barking can lead to many neighbours’ troubles.
No Shoes Inside
No shoes policy is not just a “Czech thing” – it’s basic hygiene and respect for the floors. Walking around in outdoor shoes is one of the fastest ways to trash a flat, especially if it’s carpeted. If a small rock gets stuck in your shoe, it can even scratch the floors. Want to keep your deposit? Get some slippers.
Don’t Ignore Repairs
See a leaking tap? A flickering light? Fix it yourself or report it to the owner (based on your lease agreement). Fixing small things early is cheaper than replacing half the kitchen because of water damage. If something breaks and it’s clearly your fault (like a mystery hole in wall that was absent when you moved in), you have to pay for it. Check out our article for detailed information about minor repairs.
Document Everything
Take photos when you move in. Note any existing damage. Send it to your landlord or agency. This way, you don’t get blamed for stuff you didn’t do. Same when you move out — leave it spotless, take final photos, and hand over all the keys.
Most deposit disputes happen because people didn’t take care of the place or didn’t communicate. If you treat the flat with respect, follow the house rules, and leave it in good condition, you’ll most likely get your deposit back – without drama.
Do you need help with the Internet in your new apartment, or are you in need of a cleaning service? Reach out and we’ll help you!
If you want to feel at home, check out our categories of “Living” and “Practical tips for expats” where you will find interesting information about the Czech Republic and recommendations on how to make the most out of your stay here.
Image sources: pexels
