What Renters Can Do When Leases End Amid Tight Supply

Some 12,000 rental contracts are set to expire in Prague's city centre by the end of 2026, leaving tenants scrambling to find new homes in a market with a vacancy rate of just 1.5%.

This matters now because the current supply shortage is being exacerbated by a perfect storm of factors, including a surge in demand from newcomers drawn to Prague's thriving tech scene and a lack of new construction starts over the past two years. The situation is further complicated by the fact that many landlords are choosing to sell their properties rather than renew leases, taking advantage of soaring prices in popular neighbourhoods like Vinohrady and Smíchov.

In Prague, renters who find themselves facing the end of their lease can look to organisations like the Prague Municipal Housing Authority or the Czech Union of Housing Cooperatives for guidance and support. Additionally, online platforms like Bezrealitky or Flatfinder can provide valuable resources for those searching for a new place to live, with listings for apartments and houses in areas like Karlín, Holešovice, and Vršovice. The city's popular expat areas, such as around Národní třída or in the trendy district of Žižkov, are also worth exploring.

According to data from the Czech Statistical Office, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Prague's city centre now stands at 25,000 CZK per month, up 15% from this time last year. Meanwhile, the average sale price for an apartment in the city has risen to 120,000 CZK per square metre, making it increasingly difficult for would-be buyers to enter the market. As of June 2026, there were just 350 apartments available for rent in the entire city centre, with the majority of these listings priced above 20,000 CZK per month.

Strategies for Renters

So what can renters do when their leases end amid this tight supply? One strategy is to start looking early, with some experts recommending that tenants begin their search at least six months before their contract is set to expire. Another approach is to consider neighbourhoods that may be slightly further afield, such as Prague's outer districts like Čakovice or Řepy, where rents may be lower and the supply of available apartments greater. Finally, renters may want to think creatively about their living situation, exploring options like shared housing or short-term sublets through platforms like Airbnb or Student.com.