Certificate of no debt (potvrzení o bezdlužnosti)

The date and scope of the certificate are what matter

The document must make clear who issued it, to whom, for which flat or contract and as of which date. Also state whether it covers all recorded obligations or only rent that has fallen due. A sentence without these details can give a different impression from the actual situation.

Your certificate says nothing about the tenant’s debts to a bank, the tax office or an electricity supplier. Each issuer only confirms information it knows and is responsible for.

The annual statement may arrive later

An illustrative example: as of 31 March, the tenant has paid everything due and receives a certificate. In April, the regular service charge statement for the previous year arrives showing a shortfall. The earlier certificate does not cancel this shortfall. That’s why the certificate should state explicitly whether any period has not yet been settled.

A confirmation of a specific payment serves a different purpose – the law calls it a receipt (kvitance). Under § 1949 of the Civil Code, the creditor issues it at the debtor’s request upon accepting payment. A receipt proves a specific payment, not the absence of debt across all dealings.

What to ask of a tenant who requests a certificate

Ask for the contract details, the required date and the purpose of the document. If the latest payment hasn’t been matched yet, have the tenant attach proof of it. Before issuing, check the name, address, scope and the issuer’s identification. Don’t share personal data or payment history beyond what the purpose of the certificate requires.