The Ministry of Justice of Slovakia has prepared a draft of major changes to the Civil Code, which could significantly affect the rental housing market. The proposed reform aims to strengthen tenants' rights, but it has already caused active discussion among government bodies and the professional community.
The bill was developed under the leadership of Boris Suska and has undergone interdepartmental discussion. The General Prosecutor's Office and other departments have drawn attention to legal risks and overly short review periods, so the final version of the document may still change.
Indefinite Lease
The most controversial proposal is that a tenant can claim an indefinite lease agreement. This applies to situations where a person has lived in the same dwelling for at least five years and has repeatedly extended a fixed-term contract, or has entered into a five-year contract immediately.Critics believe that such a rule could limit property rights and even force landlords to terminate contracts early to avoid transitioning to an indefinite lease.
Limiting Owners' Rights
The draft also narrows the list of reasons for which an owner can terminate a contract. These include gross violations by the tenant, illegal subletting, or the need to provide the dwelling to a close relative under clearly defined conditions and terms.Some departments believe that such restrictions do not consider the owners' life circumstances and could create additional risks.Automatic Lease Renewal
The mechanism for automatic lease renewal remains, but instead of going to court, a written notice will be sufficient for the owner. Representatives of cities and communities warn that this could encourage delays in eviction.New Deposit Rules
The bill proposes to limit the deposit amount to three monthly payments (rent + utilities). It also provides for interest to be charged on the deposit during the period it is held.At the same time, experts note that such a deposit may not be enough to cover potential damages.
Pets
Another controversial issue is the tenant's right to keep a pet in the dwelling, as long as it does not cause unreasonable inconvenience to the owner or neighbors. Some departments oppose this rule.The proposed changes could significantly strengthen tenants' positions, but at the same time make renting less flexible for property owners. A final decision has not yet been made, and the bill may be further refined considering the criticism.
