What You’ll Learn in This Article

• When court eviction is possible

• How the process works from notice to bailiff enforcement

• The most common delays and how to minimize them

• Risks that can prolong the process

Expert Explanation

Court eviction is only possible once the tenancy has legally ended – either when a fixed-term lease expires, or after the notice period ends in an open-ended lease. The notice must be delivered in writing and for reasons set out in the Civil Code (Sections 2288 and following). The most common reasons are non-payment of rent for at least three months, serious breaches of tenant obligations, or the landlord’s own housing need.

If the tenant does not vacate voluntarily, the landlord files a lawsuit for eviction. The court examines the validity of the notice, compliance with statutory procedures, and the justification of the claim. In practice, first-instance proceedings may take several months to a year, depending on the court’s workload, case complexity, and the tenant’s activity (e.g., appeals, objections, claims of invalid notice).

Once the judgment becomes final, the next step is to request court enforcement. The bailiff sets an eviction date, serves a notice to the tenant, and in the last resort, carries out the eviction with police assistance. This enforcement typically takes another 1–3 months. Overall, from filing the lawsuit to physical eviction, the process can take anywhere from 6 to 18 months.

Risks of delay include procedural obstruction, tenant illness, appeals, or errors in the notice. That’s why having the documents prepared by a lawyer is crucial to avoid dismissal of the claim.

Case Example

A landlord in Prague gave notice for non-payment. The tenant argued the notice was invalid, and the dispute dragged on for over two years. The problem? The notice lacked sufficient reasoning and didn’t specify the debt precisely. The result? Lost time and tens of thousands of crowns in unpaid rent.

You Might Be Thinking…

“This takes too long; I don’t have the patience.” Yes, it’s time-consuming, but if you want the property back legally and without the risk of fines or criminal charges, there’s no other way.

Lawyer’s Recommendation

Don’t wait until the debt reaches hundreds of thousands. As soon as the tenant stops paying and ignores reminders, start preparing the notice and possible lawsuit. Acting early shortens the time you’re losing money.