Who Is Responsible for Repairs?

According to Section 2257 of the Civil Code, the landlord is obliged to maintain the apartment in a condition suitable for living. This includes major repairs and technical maintenance (e.g., boiler replacement, window repairs, plumbing issues). On the other hand, the tenant is responsible for minor maintenance and normal wear and tear.

However, this distinction is often blurred in practice. That’s why many lease agreements specify in detail which party covers which types of repairs. If yours doesn’t, disagreements can easily arise.

💡 Legal tip: If the lease is silent on repairs, the rules in the Civil Code apply – but interpretations may vary. That’s why it’s better to include detailed repair clauses in the contract.

📌 What Is “Minor Maintenance”?

The law does not precisely define this term, but court practice and guidelines from the Ministry of Regional Development suggest that it includes:

• painting and wallpapering,

• sealing windows and doors,

• replacing fuses or light bulbs,

• small plumbing repairs (e.g., faucets, toilet seat),

• maintenance of household appliances that belong to the apartment.

A good rule of thumb is that if the repair costs less than a few hundred CZK and doesn’t require a specialist, it’s likely minor maintenance.

🚨 The Landlord Won’t Fix Anything. What Now?

If the landlord neglects necessary repairs, the tenant may have the right to:

• request a rent reduction,

• perform the repair and deduct the cost from rent (but only under strict conditions),

• terminate the lease if the condition is severe.

⚠️ Be careful: You can’t deduct costs from rent at your own discretion. The landlord must be notified and given reasonable time to act. If they don’t respond, keep documentation and consult a lawyer before taking further steps.

📌 Real Example from Practice:

A client contacted me when their landlord refused to fix a leaking pipe. They had already called a plumber themselves and paid CZK 1,800. I advised them to document the communication, send a formal request to the landlord, and request reimbursement. In the end, we resolved the matter without court involvement – but not every case ends so smoothly.

✅ Lawyer’s Advice:

If you’re drafting or revising a lease agreement, clearly state who handles what repairs. This prevents disputes and delays. As a tenant, report issues early and keep records. As a landlord, respond promptly – neglecting maintenance can lead to rent reductions or even legal liability.