Short-Term Housing in the Czech Republic or Slovakia

Youth hostels, hotels, and private rooms are the most common types of short-term and long-term accommodations in the Czech and Slovak Republics.

Now in plentiful supply, short-term accommodations are generally as easy to find as long-term rentals —just take a look at the accommodation section of Prague’s popular expat community website www.expats.cz. Also, many real estate agencies will assist foreigners in finding apartments.
But beware, some charge much more than others, and offer little assistance once you have forked over your money.

By far the most convenient way to locate a place to place an ad on the expats.cz website, or simply take the time to find some ads that appeal to you and contact the person offering the room or flat.

Consider the following before you sign a rental agreement or lease:
Renting “gray” or “black,” which means your landlord does not pay taxes on rental income, tends to create certain problems for foreigners. For example, you may not be able to receive mail at government-owned properties, and there may be no binding contract that protects you from being cheated by your landlord. Beware of paying large rental deposits without a contract.
Check out the electrical, plumbing, and heating systems to make sure they are in good working order before you make any commitment.

If there is telephone, cable and internet service, make sure that you understand how you will be billed, especially if you are sharing it with another party. You may be asked to put down a security deposit for long-distance charges. Unfortunately, foreigners have given themselves a reputation for sticking their landlords with large sums on unpaid long-distance bills.
Your landlord may have expectations regarding your housekeeping practices. If you can, have a Czech or Slovak speaker interpret any questions you might have for your prospective landlord before you hand over your money. Address all your concerns up front, and ask what is expected of you as a tenant.