How to write a tenancy agreement: Complete template and instructions

A practical guide to creating a rental agreement. What it must contain, how to avoid mistakes and a downloadable pattern.

A good lease is like a good insurance policy – you hope you never need it, but when a problem does arise, you're glad you have it. A bad contract can lead to endless disputes, financial losses and legal battles.

In this guide, I will show you how to write a tenancy agreement that protects both parties and prevents problems.

Legal basis

Legislation

The rental of an apartment is governed by the Civil Code (Act No. 89/2012 Coll.), specifically § 2235–2301. These paragraphs establish the tenant's minimum rights, which cannot be deviated from to his detriment.

Form of contract

Mandatory written form: A written contract is required for renting an apartment. The oral agreement is invalid.

Notarization: Not mandatory, but recommended for greater legal certainty.

Mandatory contract details

1. Identification of the contracting parties

Lessor (natural person):

Name and surname
Date of birth or social security number
Permanent address residence

Lessor (legal entity):

Business company
IČO
Registered office
Person authorized to act

Lessee:

Name and surname
Date of birth or social security number
Address of permanent residence (before lease)

2. Description apartment

Specifications:

Exact address
Apartment number
Floor
Layout (2+1, 3+kk)
Floor area

Accessories:

Cellar (number, location)
Parking space
Balcony, terrace
Garage

3. Purpose lease

Standard: "The apartment is rented for the tenant's residence."

If the tenant is to run a business from the apartment, this must be explicitly allowed.

4. Lease period

Fixed-term rental:

Exact start and end date
Statutory or contractual renewal only under its stated conditions
Termination conditions

Term rental indefinite:

Start date only
Notice periods according to the law

5. Rent and payments

Amount of rent:

Monthly amount in numbers and words
Currency (Kč)

Deposits for services:

Amount and what it includes
Method statement

Terms of payment:

Maturity (by the Xth day of the month)
Method of payment (bank transfer, account number)
Variable symbol

6. Security (deposit)

Amount:

Maximum of three times the monthly rent (legal limit)
Usually 1–2 months

Purpose:

Covering possible damages
Unpaid rent
Unpaid services

Return:

Period after the end of the lease (without inventing a universal statutory 30-day deadline)
Terms of crediting

Recommended requirements

State of the apartment upon handover

Transfer protocol:

Separate document as an attachment
Description of the state of the rooms
Equipment status
Meter status
Photo documentation

List of equipment

If the apartment is equipped:

List of furniture and appliances
Condition of individual items
Responsibility for maintenance

Rules of use

Prohibited activities:

Subletting without consent
Keeping pets (or conditions)
Smoking
Construction improvements

Obligations of the tenant:

Minor repairs
Maintenance
Notification of defects
Allowing access

Termination of the lease

Termination by the landlord:

Legal grounds (§ 2288 OZ)
Three-month notice period

Termination by the tenant:

Without giving a reason
Three-month notice period

Immediate termination:

Serious breach of obligations
Terms and procedure

Inflation clause

Possibility of unilateral rent increase by inflation (necessary to agree in the contract).

Sample structure of the contract

Heading: "Rental contract concluded in accordance with § 2235 et seq. of Act No. 89/2012 Coll."

Article I – Contracting parties Identification of lessor and lessee

Article II – Subject of rent Description of apartment and accessories

Article III - Purpose of lease Housing

Article IV - Lease period Indefinite/indefinite, dates

Article V - Rent Amount, maturity, method of payment

Article VI - Deposits for services List of services, amount of deposits, billing

Article VII – Security Amount, purpose, return

Article VIII – Rights and obligations Obligations of both parties

Article IX – Termination of lease Terms of notice, reasons

Article X – Final provisions Attachments, number of copies

Signatures: Date, place, signatures of both parties

Frequent errors in lease agreements

Error 1: Invalid agreement

Example: "The tenant waives the right to terminate without giving a reason."

Why it's wrong: The law protects the tenant - this agreement is invalid.

Error 2: Unclear amount of payments

Example: "The rent is 15,000 Kč including utilities."

Why is wrong: It is not clear how much is the rent and how much is the service. It complicates billing.

Error 3: Missing transfer report

Problem: Without documentation of the condition, damage caused by the tenant cannot be proven.

Error 4: Deposit too high

Example: Deposit equal to 5 months' rent.

Why it's wrong: The law limits to threefold. A higher security deposit is void.

Mistake 5: Lack of consent of co-owners

If the property has multiple owners, they must all agree to the lease.

Special situation

Subletting

When consent is needed: Always - the tenant needs written consent from the landlord.

What negotiate:

Scope of the sublease
Lessee's responsibility
Terms of termination

Lease with purchase option

When to use: The tenant is interested in buying in the future.

What to negotiate:

Price when exercising the option
Deadline for exercise
Terms of transfer

Roommates

Situation: Several people in one apartment without joint tenancy.

Solution:

One contract with everyone as joint tenants
Or main tenant + sublease

Electronic signature

Is it valid?

Yes, the electronic signature is valid for the lease agreement. Can be used:

Qualified electronic signature
Recognized electronic signature
Even a simple e-signature (but more difficult to prove)

Recommendation

For greater legal certainty, prefer a qualified e-signature or a classic paper signature.

After signing the contract

Registration at the authorities

Notification of change addresses: The tenant should report a change of permanent residence (if changing).

Rental records: Keep income records for tax purposes.

Insurance

Landlord: Property + liability insurance.

Tenant: Home + liability insurance.

On-going documentation

Copy of the contract for both parties
Archiving of payments
Written communication (e-mail)

Summary: Lease contract checklist

Mandatory:

Written form
Identification of parties
Apartment description
Purpose of lease
Lease period
Above of rent

Recommended:

Deposits for services in detail
Security (deposit)
Handover report
Equipment list
Rules of use
Termination conditions
Inflation clause

Attachments:

Handover report
Photo documentation
Energy label
Housekeeping order

A good lease agreement is an investment in peace of mind - it protects the landlord from problem tenants and the tenant from the landlord's arbitrary actions.

How Grento can help you

Grento contains 70 legal sample contracts including a lease agreement. The contract generator automatically fills in the data from the register.

> Czech-law scope and editorial note: Legal, tax, accounting, tenancy, service-charge, condominium, metrology, insurance and data-protection statements in this article refer to the Czech Republic and the rules effective for the relevant date. Figures and examples are illustrative, not legal or tax advice. Verify current rules with the relevant Czech authority or a qualified adviser.

> Security-deposit clarification: Under Czech Civil Code § 2254, the ceiling is tied to three times the monthly rent and the tenant has a right to interest. The provision does not create a universal separate-account or 30-day return rule, and service advances do not automatically count toward the rent-based ceiling. Settle the balance and interest without inventing a statutory deadline.