Dear Tenant,
As your tenancy period concludes, we want to ensure a clear and straightforward process for your departure and the return of your security deposit.
Your security deposit serves as a vital protection for the apartment and ensures adherence to the terms of your tenancy agreement. Specifically, it covers:
Damage to the apartment directly caused by the tenant.
Damage resulting from insufficient maintenance, inappropriate interventions, or a lack of proper cleaning.
Breaches of contractual terms, particularly in cases of early contract termination or overconsumption of utilities (water, gas, and electricity).
To help you recover your full deposit, we have prepared this comprehensive guide outlining the necessary steps and expectations for vacating the apartment. Adhering to these guidelines will ensure a smooth and hassle-free transition for everyone.
Preparing the Apartment for Handover: Addressing Minor Issues
As your tenancy period comes to a close, we encourage you to take a moment to inspect the apartment and address any minor issues. A little attention now can prevent deductions from your security deposit and ensure a smooth handover.
Minor Repairs and Touch-Ups
Please check the furniture and fixtures for any small damages that can be easily fixed. For instance, if you notice any loose moldings, kindly re-secure them. If you’ve attached photos or posters to the walls, please remove them completely and ensure all traces of tape or adhesive are gone. Your cooperation in these small repairs is greatly appreciated.
Damaged or Non-Working Appliances
If any appliances are damaged or not working correctly, it’s crucial to inform us before you move out. This allows us to discuss the extent of the damage caused during your tenancy and agree on the best way to resolve the situation. If we are not notified in advance about a damaged appliance, you will be charged the full replacement cost of the item.
Important Information Regarding Your Tenancy Contract End
As your tenancy period approaches its conclusion, please read the following important details regarding your contract’s end date and your obligations.
Contract End Date and Early Termination
Your current tenancy agreement has a fixed end date, and this date is binding.
If you wish to terminate your contract earlier than the agreed-upon end date, you must provide us with three months’ written notice prior to your desired departure. For example, if your contract ends on October 31st but you plan to vacate by September 1st, we must receive your notice by June 1st of the same year. We calculate notice periods in full calendar months, not on a daily pro-rata basis. Providing timely notice ensures your contract can be terminated without further obligations from your side for the remaining period.
Apartment Handover and Keys
If you are leaving on your contract’s official end date, please ensure the apartment is returned by 4:00 PM on that day.
You must also return all sets of keys that were provided to you at the start of your tenancy. A fee of CZK 2,000 will be charged for any lost keys, as this necessitates a lock change for security reasons.
Apartment Showings to Prospective Tenants
As per your contract, we have the right to show the apartment to potential new tenants before your departure. We will arrange these viewings with prior notice. Please be aware that if we are unable to show the apartment to prospective tenants before you leave, this will be considered a breach of contract and may result in financial consequences as outlined in your agreement.
Important Information Regarding Payments and Potential Debts Upon Departure
To ensure a smooth departure process and avoid any misunderstandings, please review the following information concerning rent, services, and potential outstanding payments.
Rent and Service Payments
Timely Payment of Final Rent: It is crucial to pay your final month’s rent in full by the due date. We strongly advise against withholding the last month’s rent with the expectation that it will be covered by your security deposit. Your security deposit is intended to cover damages or extraordinary cleaning, not to substitute for rental payments.
Late Payment Penalties: If rent or service payments are not received by the due date, a debt will accrue, and a late payment penalty will be applied at the rate specified in your tenancy agreement. This penalty will be calculated from the moment the payment becomes overdue.
Utility Over-consumption (Water & Energy)
Calculation of Excess Consumption: Debts related to over-consumption of water or energy will only be calculated if your annual usage exceeds the prepaid deposits by more than €200.00. Please note that this threshold is set to account for minor fluctuations and has not yet been triggered by any tenant.
Preliminary Bill (Upon Request): If you wish to have an estimate of your utility consumption before your departure, we are happy to provide a preliminary, rough bill upon your request. This can offer peace of mind and allow you to anticipate any potential additional charges.
General Information
Security Deposit: Your security deposit will be returned in accordance with the terms of your tenancy agreement, typically after the final inspection and reconciliation of all outstanding payments and any costs for damages beyond normal wear and tear.
Open Communication: We encourage open communication. If you anticipate any difficulties with your final payments or have questions regarding your utility consumption, please contact us as soon as possible.
Departure Cleaning Guide
To ensure the apartment is ready for our next guests, we kindly ask for your cooperation with the following cleaning tasks before you depart. Your attention to these details is greatly appreciated!
Kitchen
Degrease All Surfaces and Appliances: Please thoroughly clean and degrease all kitchen furniture and appliances. Pay special attention to the areas around the stovetop and countertops, as these tend to accumulate grease from cooking.
Oven and Microwave: Ensure the oven and microwave are spotless, removing any baked-on food or grease.
Dishes: If you used any of our dishes, kindly wash them and return them to their proper place. If any are broken or too damaged to use, please dispose of them before you leave.
Refrigerator and Washing Machine: Please defrost and clean both the refrigerator and the washing machine.
Kitchen Hood: If there’s a range hood, please clean it of any grease and replace the filter with a new, clean one.
Bathroom & General Areas
Waste Bins and Toilet: Empty all waste bins in the kitchen and bathroom, and ensure the toilet is thoroughly cleaned.
Light Fixtures & Switches: Please clean the chandeliers, electrical sockets, and light switches. For your safety, always turn off the main electricity circuit breaker before cleaning any electrical outlets or switches.
Windows & Furniture: Wipe down all window frames and sills, and clean all furniture surfaces.
Floors & Trash: Mop all floors and take out all remaining garbage.
Bedroom
Mattress Cover: The mattress cover (the fitted sheet beneath your own bedding) should be washed and returned to the bed.
Thank you for helping us keep the apartment in excellent condition!
Conclusion: Ensuring a Prompt Deposit Return
By following the guidelines outlined in this document, you’ll significantly contribute to a smooth and efficient departure process. While the return of your security deposit may take a few days after you vacate the apartment, adhering to these rules will help ensure a very quick and full reimbursement.
To facilitate this, please remember to complete the departure form on our webpage immediately after you leave. This form is a crucial documentary record required for legal purposes and helps us process your deposit return without delay.