What you will learn in this article

• What obligations the landlord has when issuing the statement.

• When a tenant can dispute the statement.

• Step-by-step guidance on handling a dispute.

Landlord’s obligations

Under Czech law (in residential leases mainly the Act on Services and the Civil Code), the landlord must provide the annual service charge statement no later than four months after the end of the billing period. The statement must include not only total amounts but also supporting documents – invoices from suppliers, the allocation method, and the calculation of consumption.

If these supporting documents are not provided, the statement is incomplete, and the tenant has grounds to dispute its accuracy.

When and how to challenge the statement

If you disagree with the statement, you should submit your objection in writing – ideally by registered mail or by email with delivery confirmation. Specify which items you dispute and request the relevant supporting documents. If the landlord does not respond, the next steps can include:

1. A pre-litigation notice.

2. Court proceedings to determine the amount of the debt or refund.

Can I withhold payment?

Generally, if the statement is missing or incomplete, you have the right to pay the undisputed amount and withhold the rest until the documentation is provided. However, completely refusing payment without legal grounds can lead to debt accumulation and penalties.

Risks for tenants and landlords

• Tenants: Risk of late payment, contractual penalties, and worsening relations.

• Landlords: Risk of court disputes, obligation to refund overpayments, and paying legal costs.

Lawyer’s advice

💡 Do not miss the deadlines – objections must be raised without undue delay.
💡 Insist on receiving invoices and a clear breakdown of the calculation.
💡 If the dispute is complex or the landlord is unresponsive, consult a lawyer – often, a single formal letter can move things forward.