The government has taken a firm stance against tenants who fail to pay rent and refuse to vacate properties even after receiving proper notice. The recently approved amendment to the Civil Procedure Code, linked to the Housing Support Act, aims to expedite the eviction process, reducing the burden on property owners who are currently entangled in prolonged legal battles.
Experiences with non-paying tenants are all too common, as illustrated by Libuše Jelínková from Louny. After renting her son’s apartment to an acquaintance, the initial rent was paid, but subsequent payments ceased, covered only briefly by the security deposit. It wasn’t until legal threats were made that any progress was achieved. This scenario highlights the difficulty landlords face when dealing with tenants who exploit the legal system to remain in properties without payment.
The amendment proposes a streamlined process where landlords can approach the court to issue an eviction order without needing a full hearing. Justice Minister Pavel Blažek explained that this new order will apply only to cases where a rental relationship existed and has ended. Landlords must prove ownership, provide evidence of the tenant’s eviction notice, and show that they have formally requested the tenant to vacate the property.
The government expects the legislative process to conclude by the end of the year, with the reforms taking effect by July 2025. While the coalition parties support the changes, the opposition has raised concerns about the potential for tenants to appeal eviction orders, which would revert the process to the traditional court system. This uncertainty leaves questions about the amendment’s effectiveness in practice.
Currently, evicting non-paying tenants is a lengthy ordeal. Legal eviction proceedings can extend for years, during which landlords cannot reclaim their properties. This protracted process often discourages property owners from renting out their properties at all or leads them to prefer short-term leases to mitigate risk.
By introducing this amendment, the government aims to balance protecting landlords’ rights and ensuring that tenants are not unduly disadvantaged. However, the real impact of these changes will only be seen once the amendment