In Slovakia, the typical lease term for renting property is usually one year. However, both the landlord and the tenant can agree to a shorter or longer term. The lease agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties. The tenant is usually required to pay rent in advance on a monthly basis.
Furnished vs. Unfurnished Properties
Furnished properties in Slovakia come with all necessary furniture, appliances, and household items. The exact items included in furnished properties vary, but common items are a bed, couch, television, refrigerator, stove, washing machine, and microwave. On the other hand, unfurnished properties come with only basic appliances such as a refrigerator, stove, and washing machine.
Standard Lease Clauses
The standard clauses in a lease agreement in Slovakia include the names and addresses of the landlord and tenant, the rental amount, the payment due date, the term of the lease, and any rules or regulations regarding the property. The agreement should also specify who is responsible for utility bills, such as electricity, gas, water, and internet.
Additional Clauses
In addition to the standard clauses, a lease agreement in Slovakia may also include clauses regarding the use of the property, such as whether or not pets are allowed, smoking, and the number of people allowed to reside in the property. The agreement may also include clauses regarding the maintenance and repairs of the property, and who is responsible for them.
Expats Beware
Expats should be especially aware of the terms and conditions in the lease agreement when signing a lease contract in Slovakia. They should ensure that they fully understand the responsibilities and obligations of both the landlord and the tenant before signing the agreement. Expats should also familiarize themselves with the local laws and regulations regarding tenancy in Slovakia, as these may differ from their home country.
Condition Reports
Condition reports are not common in Slovakia before signing a lease agreement. However, it is always a good idea for both the landlord and the tenant to conduct a thorough inspection of the property before moving in and make a list of any existing damages or problems. This will help to avoid any disputes when the tenant moves out and returns the property to the landlord.
Qualifications and Licenses
Letting agents in Slovakia are not required to possess any specific qualifications or licenses. However, they should be familiar with the local laws and regulations regarding tenancy and be able to provide professional and reliable services to their clients.
Association or Organisation
There is no specific association or organization in Slovakia which reputable letting agencies should be a member of. However, expats can check the reputation of letting agencies by reading online reviews and asking for references from other expats who have used their services.