SLOVAKIA | Accommodation | Contract

Rental contract

No matter whether you rent a flat via a real estate agency or directly from the owner who you contacted via newspapers or the Internet, it is always important to agree on the exact conditions of renting. It is important to write down an agreement, which must be signed by both parties. The cost of rent and additional expenses you are expected to pay must be shown in the agreement. It is also important to define the condition the flat is in and to determine how much notice you must give before ending the rental. Do not pay anything without a receipt being provided. It is recommended to have a telephone nummer or other means of contact with the flat owner in case of unexpected events, such as breakdown of the electricity, water, gas or sewage conduit, etc. If you rent a flat via a real estate agency, they will arrange these things for you.

Rental conditions

If you pay a security deposit (usually one months' rent), the conditions of its return must be clearly stated in the contract. Do not forget to state a period of notice in the contract, i.e. how soon you have to announce you are ending the rental contract. Before you move in, look at the flat with the owner, so that he cannot make you responsible for any defects and damage done previously. You have to inquire if there are any other costs that are not stated in the contract. Every time you pay anything, ask for a receipt.

It is essential to have a contact number of the owner in case of a problem that needs to be fixed instantly. The owner should familiarise you with the "house rules" in the block of flats where you are going to live, i.e. keeping quiet at night, if there is a cleaner to clean the staircase, or if the tenants take turns in doing something, where the waste disposal containers are, etc.