Tenant vs. Landlord Responsibilities – Who Is Responsible for What?
“Ms. Lawyer, my landlord says I have to pay for replacing the boiler because it’s ‘my apartment’. But I’ve only been living here for six months. Do I really have to pay for it?”
I get questions like this all the time – and it’s no surprise. The responsibilities of a tenant and a landlord often overlap, and the boundaries aren’t always clear to a layperson. Disputes over who should pay for what can quickly ruin an otherwise smooth tenancy.
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
Recently, many people have been asking me about issues like “who pays for repairs in an apartment,” “what are the tenant’s duties,” or “what must the landlord provide.” These questions arise not only in residential leases, but also in the rental of commercial premises, offices, and warehouses. Often, it’s seemingly minor matters that, without clear agreement in the lease, can quickly escalate into costly disputes.
What you’ll learn in this article
The statutory duties of both tenant and landlord.
Who pays for regular maintenance and repairs.
When the landlord can demand remedies or terminate the lease.
How to avoid disputes with a well-drafted agreement.
A real-life example of a misunderstanding that ended up in court.
Questions my clients ask
“Do I have to pay for repairing a broken fridge that came with the flat?”
“If a pipe bursts, do I pay or does the landlord?”
“Can my landlord fine me for repainting the walls without permission?”
You might be thinking…
“That’s simple – the landlord fixes big things, the tenant fixes small things.”
Unfortunately, reality is more complicated. The law gives only a basic framework; the rest must be clarified in the contract. If responsibilities are poorly defined, you risk unexpected expenses and legal conflicts.
What the law says
Under the Czech Civil Code, the landlord must keep the apartment in a condition fit for use and carry out repairs beyond regular maintenance.
The tenant must use the apartment properly, perform routine maintenance, and pay for minor repairs.
Regular maintenance = painting, fixing door handles, replacing lightbulbs.
Repairs beyond regular maintenance = replacing a boiler, repairing electrical wiring, damage repairs after a major leak.
If the parties do not agree otherwise, disputes often arise over whether a repair is “minor” or not – and that’s where legal interpretation comes in.
Real-life example
My client, a tenant, received an invoice from his landlord for CZK 18,000 for heating repairs. The problem? The defect had existed before he moved in; it just became apparent in winter. The landlord insisted on payment. After my intervention and reference to the law and the lease agreement, the claim was withdrawn.
Lawyer’s recommendation
Having your lease agreement drafted or reviewed before signing can save you tens of thousands of crowns and a lot of stress.
I recommend:
clearly defining what counts as “regular maintenance” and how it is paid for,
adding a procedure for emergency repairs,
agreeing on who is responsible for servicing appliances.
Need help?
If you’re unsure who is responsible for a particular repair or maintenance, contact me. I’ll help you resolve the issue quickly – online, without unnecessary delays, and for a fixed fee.
Contact a legal professional – I specialize in contract law.
Learn more here.
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- Naposledy aktualizováno: 08/08/2025
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Tenant vs. Landlord Responsibilities – Who Is Responsible for What?
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