After ten years, the rules governing minor repairs in rental apartments are finally changing — and quite frankly, it was long overdue. The limits set back in 2015 have been out of touch with reality for some time now, as the cost of labor and materials has continued to rise year after year.

Under the new rules, the maximum amount for a single minor repair increases from CZK 1,000 to CZK 1,500. At the same time, the annual cap rises from CZK 100 to CZK 150 per square meter of floor area. In practical terms, this means that for a 70 m² apartment, a tenant may now contribute up to CZK 10,500 per year toward minor repairs.

From Reallocate’s perspective, this is a necessary and realistic adjustment. The previous limits were often more theoretical than workable in real life. As a result, they frequently led to unnecessary disputes between tenants and landlords — not because either side was unreasonable, but because the numbers simply no longer reflected actual costs.

That said, one key point must be made clear: higher limits do not shift responsibility for the condition of the apartment onto the tenant. The landlord’s obligation to maintain the property in a condition fit for safe and proper living remains unchanged. Tenants are still responsible only for routine maintenance and minor repairs as defined by law — and always within the legally prescribed financial limits.

Based on our experience, even the updated limits will not eliminate all gray areas. Questions about what still qualifies as a “minor repair” are likely to persist. This is precisely why we see it as essential for these rules to be clearly and transparently defined in lease agreements and fully aligned with current legislation. The law also explicitly states that higher limits cannot be contractually agreed upon — an important detail, particularly for tenants to be aware of.

Overall, we see this change as another signal of the gradual professionalization of the Czech rental market. Transparent rules, a clear allocation of responsibilities, and financial thresholds that reflect reality are the foundation of a healthy rental housing environment — and, ultimately, of stable and sustainable residential investments, which is exactly what Reallocate focuses on.