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Nájomná zmluva

rental agreement for housing

What does “Nájomná zmluva” mean in Slovakia?

Nájomná zmluva (lease agreement) is a written contract for renting a home between a tenant (nájomca) and the owner (prenajímateľ). It sets the conditions for living there: the rent amount, the rental period, and the rights and duties of both sides.

What the contract usually includes

Rent amount (nájom) and what is included in the payment.
Security deposit (kaucia) — the deposit and the conditions for its return.
Rental period — for a fixed or indefinite time.
Conditions for termination of the contract and the notice period for moving out.

The contract is important not only to protect your rights but also because it is often required for registering your place of residence and for applying for a residence permit. Before signing, carefully read the clauses about rent increases, responsibility for repairs, and the return of the security deposit. Both sides sign the contract, and each keeps their own copy. If anything in the text is unclear, ask for an explanation before signing, not after.

Important. Never agree to rent only "by word of mouth": without a written contract, it will be difficult for you to prove your rights and confirm housing for your residence permit.

Examples of use

We will sign a lease agreement for one year.

We will sign the lease agreement for one year.

The lease agreement must be signed by both parties.

Without a lease agreement, your residence may not be recognized.

Without a rental agreement, your expenses may not be recognized.

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Frequently asked questions

Is it necessary to officially register a lease agreement somewhere?

As a rule, a normal residential lease agreement does not need to be registered anywhere — it is valid between the parties from the moment it is signed. The owner can declare income to the tax office. The main thing is to have your own signed copy.

Can a lease agreement be used for registration?

Yes, a lease agreement is one of the main documents that confirm you have housing when applying for a residence permit. Sometimes, they also ask for the owner's consent with a notarized signature.

What to do if the landlord suddenly wants to raise the rent?

The conditions for changing the rent must be written in the contract. If this is not included, the owner usually cannot raise the rent by themselves before the contract ends. Read your contract again and get advice if you need it.