⚖️ When Does the Right to Final Payment Arise?

According to § 2611 of the Czech Civil Code, the right to payment arises:

• once the work is completed,

• and properly handed over to the client.

Unless otherwise agreed, full payment becomes due after completion.

📌 Common Problems

• No signed handover report.

• Client claims the work has defects – without evidence.

• Vague contract – unclear what counts as “completed”.

• No photos, emails, or written confirmation of delivery.

Disputes become one person’s word against the other. Without evidence, courts may reject your claim.

🧱 Real Case: Kitchen Project and Late Payment

A contractor installed a kitchen. The client refused to pay the final 30%, citing “minor issues”.
The contractor had:

• photos of the finished work,

• an email confirming completion,

• a colleague as a witness.
  Thanks to this evidence, the court ruled in favor of the contractor.

🛠 How to Protect Yourself?

• Always insist on a written handover protocol.

• Use email, not just phone calls.

• Take photos – document everything.

• Don’t wait too long to act – the longer the delay, the harder the proof.