Yes, when renting, a refundable security deposit is usually paid, which serves as a financial guarantee for the landlord. It typically corresponds to the amount of one month's rent, including fees, but some landlords may require a higher amount. You may also encounter a deposit of 1.5 or 2 months' rent, depending on several factors, such as the value of the apartment's furnishings, the number of people who will occupy the property, or the presence of pets. The deposit is refundable at the end of the lease, provided the terms of the contract have not been violated, such as damage to the furnishings or unpaid rent. The amount of the deposit and the conditions for its return should always be clearly defined in the lease agreement.

Yes, if you use the services of a real estate intermediary, you are usually required to pay a commission for arranging the rental. The standard commission is usually one month's rent, but it can vary depending on the length of the lease or the conditions of the specific offer. It is also important to know that some intermediaries are VAT payers, which means the commission price will be increased by 21% VAT. However, there are also offers on the market with no commission, and in such cases, the intermediary's fee is paid by another party, such as the landlord.

If you plan to have a pet in the rented apartment, we recommend discussing it with the landlord in advance. Not all landlords are open to keeping pets, mainly due to concerns about potential damage to the furnishings or noise that might disturb neighbors. If the landlord allows the presence of a pet, it should be clearly stated in the lease agreement, including any conditions (such as the obligation to cover any damages). If you violate a no-pet policy, the landlord may terminate your lease. To avoid misunderstandings, we recommend addressing this issue right at the beginning when negotiating the lease terms.

Yes, as a tenant you are entitled to a bill for services related to the use of the apartment. The landlord is obliged to submit to you an annual bill for advances on services such as water, heat, waste, lighting of common areas and other costs related to the operation of the house. The bill must be submitted no later than 4 months after the end of the billing period (usually by 30 April of the following year). If the landlord does not provide you with a bill, you have the right to request it in writing. In the event of discrepancies, you can request supporting documents for the bill.

Even if you leave the apartment, the obligation to pay rent continues until the end of the agreed rental period or until a written agreement for early termination of the lease is made with the landlord.

The landlord may enter the apartment only with your consent or if it is necessary to carry out repairs or maintenance. The law stipulates that the landlord must provide a reasonable notice period and cannot enter the apartment without a valid reason or without prior consent from the tenant.

Most landlords today require tenants to arrange liability and household insurance. This insurance protects the tenant in case they cause damage to the landlord’s property (such as flooding a neighbor’s apartment) or if their own belongings are damaged. In addition to standard insurance, it is also possible to arrange an extended version that covers minor repairs in the apartment or locksmith services, for example, if you accidentally lock yourself out. Not sure which insurance to choose? Our financial brokers will be happy to assist you in selecting the right product based on your needs.

If the tenant knows in advance that they will be absent from the apartment for more than one month and that the apartment will be difficult to access during this time, they should inform the landlord in a timely manner. In such cases, it is recommended that the rental agreement specifies a notice period, which is typically one month or as agreed. The tenant should also designate a person who will ensure access to the apartment during their absence if it becomes necessary. If the tenant does not have such a person, the landlord is responsible for this role.