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Zálohy na služby

advance payments for utilities

What does “Zálohy na služby” mean in Czechia?

Zálohy na služby (advances for services) are monthly payments for utilities. They are paid separately from nájemné (rent) and are regulated by a separate law — zákon č. 67/2013 Sb. (Act No. 67/2013 Coll.).

What is included in "služby" (services)

water
heating
elevator
cleaning of common areas
waste disposal

Why it is an advance payment, not the final price

Záloha is an estimated prepayment. Once a year, you receive a vyúčtování (settlement), where the advance payments are compared with your actual usage. This results in an overpayment (přeplatek) or an underpayment (nedoplatek).

How to calculate the real cost of housing

Nájemné (rent) + zálohy na služby (advances for services) + what you pay directly to energy suppliers. Looking only at the nájemné (rent) in an advertisement and then being surprised by the bill is a common mistake for newcomers.

Important. Lowered advance payments are not savings, but a postponed problem: the difference will still come in a year in the final billing, just in one large sum. Ask to see the final billing from last year before signing the contract.

Examples of use

Advance payments for services are 3,500 CZK per month.

Rent is 16,000 CZK plus deposits.

Rent — 16,000 CZK plus advances.

Frequently asked questions

Are advance payments included in the 3x rent deposit limit?

No. The limit is calculated from the "net" rent, and advance payments for services are not included in the base.

Did the landlord increase the advance payments in the middle of the year? Is this allowed?

Advance payments are adjusted to real consumption by their nature, and the final truth is shown by the annual settlement. Request a written explanation for the new amount and compare it with last year's recalcul