Big reform of civil law standardizes rules for real estate rental

Starting in 2027, a new Civil Code will come into effect in Slovakia. This will be the most important legal reform in decades. The new law will completely replace outdated rules and introduce single rules for all types of rentals.

1. One Law Instead of Chaos

Currently, rentals are regulated by several different laws (on short-term rentals, on non-residential premises, etc.). From 2027, all relationships — from renting an apartment to an office or even equipment — will be regulated only by the Civil Code.

2. No More Obligation to Provide Replacement Housing

One of the most important changes for owners: the obligation to provide the tenant with other housing after terminating a contract for an indefinite period is canceled. This removes the main fear of landlords and should encourage the market to enter into long-term contracts.

3. New Rules for Deposits

The law will clearly regulate financial security deposits. The main new rule, which owners do not like: when returning the deposit, the landlord will be required to pay the tenant the interest earned on that amount during the time it was held.

4. Pets in Apartments

The new code sides with pet owners. A tenant will have the legal right to keep a pet in the apartment if it does not cause excessive inconvenience to neighbors. The owner can only forbid this if such a ban is directly stated in the contract.

5. Minor Defects Are Not Grounds for Claims

If the tenant knew about small defects in the apartment (that do not prevent living there) when signing the contract, they cannot later demand their repair or a discount. Lawyers advise to create a detailed handover protocol for the property.

6. Simplified Contract Termination

For a rental not to automatically continue after the contract term ends, it will be enough for the owner to send a written notice within one month. It will no longer be necessary to immediately file a lawsuit, as it works now.

Do Contracts Need to Be Changed?

From 2027, old contracts will automatically start to be regulated by the new rules. Lawyers recommend preparing addendums to contracts to avoid disputes (for example, about interest on deposits or new terms).

Contracts concluded under the special law on short-term rentals will continue under the old terms until their end date, after which they will also fall under the new code.

The reform aims to balance the rights of both parties and make the rental market in Slovakia more transparent and modern.