10 Professional Tips for Renting an Apartment in Košice

Every month, hundreds of rental apartments become available in Košice. While some tenants enjoy legal safety, clean contracts, and fast maintenance, others face serious problems: withheld deposits, mold, illegal notices, or unverifiable payments.

Whether you are an expat, student, digital professional or relocated employee—renting a flat in Košice without knowing your rights can be a costly mistake. That's why this professional guide gives you practical, real-world tips to help you avoid unnecessary risk and sign with confidence.

1. Never Rent Based on a Verbal Agreement — Insist on a Written Contract

An oral agreement without a written lease holds no legal power in Slovakia. Always demand a written rental agreement with:

• full name of the landlord + their ID if renting via a company (IČO)
• full address, number of rooms, size in m², and floor
• precise rent amount and included, or excluded, utility costs
• amount of security deposit (kaucia) and its refund deadline
• start date, duration and termination conditions of the lease

💡 Pro Tip: If you're not sure about the legal terms, ask a Slovak friend or lawyer to review it before signing.

2. Do Not Pay a Deposit (Kaucia) in Cash Without a Receipt

The deposit is a refundable security, not a fee or a gift. It should legally be returned to you after handover—unless you leave hidden damage or miss payments.

When you pay the deposit, always receive:

• a signed receipt clearly stating the amount paid
• date of payment
• name and signature of the recipient (landlord or agent)

⚠️ Warning: Never hand over cash without proper written record. It's the #1 reason why foreigners lose deposits in private rentals.

3. Always Sign a Handover Protocol Listing the Flat's Actual Condition

Before move-in day, request a written handover document listing:

• wall condition (damages, paint marks, cracks)
• condition of floors, windows, doors, furniture
• the presence and functionality of appliances (fridge, washing machine, TV, stove)
• electricity, gas or water meter readings

📸 Smart Tip: Photograph every room, corner, and appliance on move-in day and share with your landlord by email. It helps prevent 90% of disputes around damage claims later.

4. Watch Out for Contracts Without a Termination Clause

Legal rental contracts always allow both landlord and tenant to end the agreement—within reason. The acceptable notice periods in Košice range typically from 1 to 3 months.

Be cautious if:

• the contract says "cannot be terminated for 12 months no matter what"
• you must find several replacement tenants if you want to leave
• there's no cancellation section present at all

🚫 Dangerous Clause: Any restriction preventing fair exit or automatic renewal without consent may be challengeable in court. Ask for it to be amended before signing.

5. Make Sure There Is a Way to Contact the Landlord for Repairs

Sometimes things break—and they break when you least expect them. That's why every good contract should include:

• landlord's phone number or email
• a defined way to report repairs
• agreed time for response (48 hours or faster during winter, for example)

💬 Bonus Tip: Discuss in advance who is responsible for minor repairs (e.g. batteries, sink fixtures) and who covers major plumbing or electrical issues.

6. Avoid Paying Rent in Cash Without a Written Confirmation

While some landlords might prefer cash payments, never agree to pay rent in hand without an official receipt or bank statement.

Recommended practices for rent payments:

• use bank transfer whenever possible (with proper description, e.g. "RENT Oct 2025 – Flat Mlynská 14")
• if paying cash, demand a signed paper stating:
  • amount paid
  • exact rental month for that payment
  • date + landlord's signature

📎 Legal Protection: With a bank proof or signed receipt, you avoid disputes over "missing rent payments"—especially when moving out.

7. Watch Out for Unfair or Dangerous Clauses in the Lease Contract

Some rental contracts contain abusive clauses that limit your rights or contradict Slovak law.

❌ Examples of clauses to avoid:

• landlord can enter "the apartment at any time without notice"
• you are not allowed any guests unless approved in writing
• if you want to terminate early, you must "deliver two replacements"
• automatic renewal for 12 months unless canceled 60+ days in advance

🔍 Your Action Plan:

• read every paragraph carefully
• ask to remove or change any unfair clause
• if landlord refuses, walk away and look elsewhere

8. Household Insurance Is Not Mandatory — But Highly Recommended

While you're not legally required to buy insurance as a tenant, you should strongly consider it. The two most useful policies are:

• Third-party liability insurance — covers accidental damage affecting the property or neighbors (e.g. flooded apartment)
• Tenants' contents insurance — protects your own items (laptop, smartphone, bicycle, clothes, etc.)

💶 Typical cost: From €5 to €9 monthly, depending on coverage.

Up to 70% of foreign tenants regret not having insurance after they need it.

9. How to Properly End Your Lease — and Get Your Deposit Back

When you're ready to move out, make sure to plan your exit correctly. You must respect either:

• the contract's notice period
• or, if undefined, the standard Slovak civil law → 3-month notice rule

Before moving out:

• send a written cancellation notice (registered mail, if in contract)
• empty the flat and remove your personal belongings
• request a full technical inspection with the landlord present
• take photos again, and request a written handover protocol
• check and record utility meter readings

📋 Final tip: Agree on the exact day of deposit return (e.g. "within 14 days after inspection") — and get it in writing.

10. Real Stories from Tenants in Košice — How to Avoid Their Mistakes

✖️ Story 1: Katarína, Student

Signed no contract and got no receipt for her deposit. When moving out, her landlord claimed the flat was "damaged" and refused to return €500.
➡️ No paper trail = no evidence = no refund.

✔️ Story 2: Roman, IT Developer

Signed a proper lease, documented meter readings and apartment status during handover. Received his full deposit within a week.
➡️ Legal steps and photos saved his money.

✖️ Story 3: Eva & Michal, Young Couple

Didn't notice a clause about "automatic renewal unless canceled 60 days in advance." Missed the deadline and were forced to stay another year unless they paid penalty fees.
➡️ Always read the condition of termination early in advance.

BONUS: Communication Is the Foundation of Every Good Rental Relationship

Even the best contract is only as effective as the communication between tenant and landlord. That's why we strongly recommend these practices to avoid misunderstandings:

• Always send important messages in writing (email, SMS, messenger)
• Confirm receipt of every notice ("I confirm receiving your message from July 12th.")
• Never assume landlord knows what you think — always be clear, polite and specific.

🎯 Key Rule: Professional tone solves problems before they become legal battles.

Final Recap: What Are the Most Important Takeaways?

Before signing a rental agreement in Košice, always follow these golden rules:

✅ Ask for a written contract with complete details
✅ Demand confirmation of your deposit payment and handover protocol
✅ Never pay anything "under the table"
✅ Check for termination rules, visitor restrictions, landlord access, and renewal traps
✅ Use clear written communication and take photos of the flat before moving in and when moving out
✅ Stay organized — a small effort now prevents big problems later

Already in a Bad Lease? Here's What You Can Still Do:

Even if you've already signed something unprofessional, you're not helpless.

If:

• you don't have a contract → ask one to be issued immediately
• your contract lacks proper termination clause → request a written amendment
• you want/need to move out → give proper written notice + document everything
• you pay rent in cash → from this point always demand confirmation or switch to bank transfers

💡 Better late than never. You can always improve how you manage the rental, even mid-lease.

Want a Legally Safe, Professionally Managed Apartment?

Choose Košice City Centre Rental Apartments — a trusted rental provider in downtown Košice offering:

✅ No agent commissions
✅ Slovak-English legal contracts
✅ Clean, fully equipped apartments
✅ Controlled deposits
✅ Fast and reliable landlord communication
✅ Quiet and well-managed buildings

👉 Visit our full offer and book a viewing at: www.kosice-apartments-for-rent.com/cennik