Can a Tenant Make Alterations to an Apartment Without the Landlord’s Consent?
You’ve been living in your rented apartment for some time, and now you’re tempted to make it more “your own.” A new floor, a fresh coat of paint, a modern kitchen… In your mind, it already looks perfect. But then a thought hits you – what if the landlord doesn’t agree? Could they evict you or even demand the apartment be restored to its original condition?
This article is part of the large guide to lease agreements, where you can find more practical topics related to renting apartments, houses, and commercial spaces: read more
People often ask me: “Can I paint, change the flooring, or even remove a wall in a rented apartment?” Others wonder whether they can make alterations without written consent if they pay for everything themselves. That’s exactly why I’m writing this article – to make it clear what is still within the law and what could already be a legal problem.
What you’ll learn in this article
The legal difference between minor and major alterations.
When you must obtain the landlord’s consent.
The risks of making changes without permission.
How to address alterations in the lease agreement.
What the law and practice say
Under Section 2257 of the Czech Civil Code, a tenant may not make changes to the apartment without the landlord’s consent, unless these are considered normal maintenance or minor repairs.
Minor alterations: painting walls, drilling a few holes for shelves, replacing a shower head, etc.
Major alterations: replacing flooring, remodeling the bathroom, altering load-bearing structures, making construction changes, or changing the apartment’s layout.
For major alterations, you always need written consent from the landlord, ideally including a clear description of the works and an agreement on what will happen to the improvements once the lease ends.
Risks of skipping the agreement
If you carry out alterations without the landlord’s consent:
They may require you to restore the apartment to its original condition at your own expense.
They may terminate your lease if it constitutes a serious breach of your obligations.
In extreme cases, they may claim damages if the alterations are poorly done or devalue the apartment.
Real-life example
One client had a custom-built kitchen installed in a rented apartment without the landlord’s knowledge. Two years later, he received notice to vacate and had to remove the kitchen entirely. The cost of dismantling and restoring the apartment exceeded CZK 50,000 – a sum he never recovered.
Lawyer’s advice
If you are planning major changes, always get them agreed in writing. The agreement should include:
a detailed description of the alterations,
who will cover the costs,
what happens to the alterations when the lease ends,
whether the tenant can claim compensation.
From my experience, a written agreement can save both sides tens of thousands of crowns and a lot of unnecessary stress.
Need legal advice on rental alterations?
If you’re dealing with alterations in a rented apartment or a dispute with your landlord, I offer fast and affordable online legal assistance. I can prepare or review your lease and help you avoid problems before they arise.
Contact a legal professional – I specialize in contract law.
Learn more here.
- Publikováno:
- Naposledy aktualizováno: 08/08/2025
Where do I provide legal services?
I help clients across Prague, Central Bohemia, and South Bohemia. Here are a few selected locations:
🔹 Lawyer Prague 1
🔹 Lawyer Prague 6
🔹 Lawyer Příbram
🔹 Lawyer Nymburk
🔹 Lawyer České Budějovice
👉 See all locations here:
https://www.vejmelkova.cz/en/how-to-find-your-czech-lawyer/
Do you want to know more?
Can a Tenant Make Alterations to an Apartment Without the Landlord’s Consent?
Print You’ve been living in your rented apartment for some time, and now you’re tempted to make it more “your own.” A new floor, a