Renting a home

Service charge settlement (vyúčtování služeb)

In Czech: Vyúčtování služeb

A service charge settlement (vyúčtování služeb) is the statement in which the provider compares the advances paid for a billing period with the actual costs of heating, water and other services. The result is a refund or a balance to pay.

Also called: annual settlement, utility bill settlement, vyúčtování

What it means

A service charge settlement (vyúčtování služeb) closes the billing period for which you paid service advances. The provider, usually the landlord in a lease, lists the real cost of each service, the share falling on the flat and the advances paid. The difference is either an overpayment (přeplatek) returned to the tenant or an underpayment (nedoplatek) the tenant has to pay.

How it works in the Czech Republic

Under Act No. 67/2013 Coll. the provider must deliver the settlement no later than 4 months after the end of the billing period, which lasts at most twelve months (§ 7(1)). The money is then settled within the agreed period, but no later than 4 months from the day the settlement was delivered (§ 7(3)).

If you disagree, you can raise objections within 30 days of delivery (§ 8). It helps to ask for the underlying documents, such as how the building's costs were split or the meter readings. These deadlines are stated as of October 2026; an amendment to the act takes effect on 1 January 2027, so check the current wording.

When you move out, the settlement for the last period usually arrives after you have left, because the owners' association or suppliers send their figures later. Record the final meter readings in the handover protocol (předávací protokol) and agree how any balance will be handled, for example together with the deposit.

Practical example

For example, for a billing period from January to December 2025 the landlord had to deliver the settlement by the end of April 2026 at the latest. If the tenant paid CZK 45,600 in advances and the real costs were CZK 41,200, the CZK 4,400 overpayment is returned within the agreed period, no later than 4 months after the settlement was delivered.

What to watch out for

  • Note the date the settlement was delivered, because the objection period runs from it.
  • Ask for a breakdown by service and an explanation of how costs were split.
  • Submit objections in writing so you have proof.
  • Record final meter readings in the handover protocol when you leave.
  • Leave the landlord an address or e-mail for the settlement after you move out.

Frequently asked questions

When must I receive the service charge settlement?

No later than 4 months after the end of the billing period (§ 7(1) of Act No. 67/2013 Coll., as of October 2026).

When will an overpayment be refunded?

Within the agreed period, but no later than 4 months from the day the settlement was delivered. The same deadline applies to paying an underpayment.

What if I think the settlement is wrong?

You can object within 30 days of delivery. Say exactly what you disagree with and ask for the supporting documents.

On Lovec-Realit.cz

  • Service charge advances (zálohy na služby)Service charge advances (zálohy na služby) are monthly payments a tenant makes on top of rent for heating, water, the lift, cleaning of common areas and similar services. They are settled after each billing period.
  • Rental deposit (kauce, jistota)A rental deposit (kauce, legally jistota) is a sum the tenant pays the landlord to secure the rent and other obligations under the lease. It is returned when the lease ends, minus any debts from the lease.
  • Handover protocol (předávací protokol)A handover protocol (předávací protokol) is a written record of handing a property over to a new owner or tenant. It notes the date, the condition of the flat or house, meter readings, keys and documents handed over and any defects.
  • Owners' association (SVJ)An owners' association (SVJ, společenství vlastníků jednotek) is a legal entity that flat owners set up to manage the building and its land. It must be formed in a building with at least five units, at least four of them owned by four different owners.
  • Lease agreement (nájemní smlouva)A lease agreement (nájemní smlouva) is the contract under which a landlord lets a flat or house to a tenant for temporary use in exchange for rent. Residential leases in Czechia are governed by the Civil Code.

Sources

Laws and official pages this text is based on (in Czech).

This text is for information only and has not yet been checked by a legal or financial expert. It is not legal, tax or financial advice. Verify important details in the listed sources or with a professional.

Updated 25 October 2026

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