If you're an expat living in Prague - whether in a flat in Vinohrady, a house in Dejvice or a rented apartment anywhere in the city - there's a good chance you'll need a chimney sweep at some point. Czech law requires regular chimney maintenance, and navigating that in a foreign language isn't always straightforward.
This guide is written specifically for English-speaking residents of Prague. I speak English, I've been servicing expat households for years, and I want to make this as simple as possible for you.
Key facts at a glance
- Legal basis: Czech Decree 34/2016 Coll. (mandatory chimney maintenance)
- Frequency: Solid fuel: 2× per year | Gas: 1× per year
- Who pays: Property owner (or tenant, if agreed in the tenancy agreement)
- Fine for non-compliance: Up to CZK 10,000 (~€400)
- Insurance risk: The insurer may refuse to pay a fire claim without documentation.
- Book me: +420 277 278 918 (English spoken)
Do you actually need a chimney sweep in Prague?
It depends on your heating system. If you have any of the following, the answer is yes:
- A gas boiler with a flue (very common in Prague apartments)
- A gas fireplace or gas water heater connected to a flue
- A wood-burning stove or fireplace
- Any solid-fuel heating appliance
If you heat purely with electric radiators or underfloor heating (no combustion), you likely don't need a chimney sweep at all.
Not sure what you have? Look for a pipe coming out of your boiler or stove that goes into the wall or ceiling - that's the flue, and it connects to the chimney flue system.
Czech law: what is actually required?
Czech Decree No. 34/2016 Sb. On flue cleaning, inspection and certification requires:
- Regular cleaning: 1–2 times per year depending on fuel type
- Annual inspection: Technical check of the flue's condition, with a written protocol
- Certification (inspection report): Required when installing a new appliance, changing fuel type, after renovation, or after a chimney fire
The outcome of each visit is a written document: a protocol or an inspection report. Retain these documents. Your insurer will request them should you ever make a fire-related claim.
What if you're renting?
In the Czech Republic, the responsibility for chimney maintenance technically falls on the property owner (landlord), unless the rental contract states otherwise. However, in practice many landlords pass this obligation to tenants without explicitly stating it.
Practical advice: Check your rental contract. If it doesn't mention chimney maintenance, contact your landlord before booking a chimney sweep - they should pay for it. If they don't respond, document your attempt in writing. Either way, the maintenance needs to happen for your own safety.
How to book an English-speaking chimney sweep in Praha
Simply call or text me. I speak English and I work across all of Prague. Here's what to tell me:
- Your address (district and street)
- What type of heating you have (gas boiler, wood stove, etc.)
- When the chimney was last serviced (if you know)
- What document you need (annual cleaning protocol, or a certification report)
I'll give you a price estimate immediately and suggest the nearest available date. I typically aim to visit within 2-3 business days in non-peak season.
Ready to book? Call or message me in English - I'll handle everything from appointment to documentation.
Call +420 277 278 918Prices in Praha (2026)
| Service | Price (Praha) |
|---|---|
| Annual cleaning and inspection protocol | from 900 CZK (~€36) |
| Chimney certification (inspection report) | from 1,800 CZK (~€72) |
| Chimney sweeping only | from 600 CZK (~€24) |
| Chimney milling (per metre) | from 600 CZK/m |
What documents do you receive?
After each visit you'll receive a written protocol in Czech (as required by law). I can explain all findings to you in English during the visit, and will include a brief English summary if you need it for documentation purposes.
The protocol includes: date of service, your address, type of appliance and fuel, description of work done, and the chimney sweep's signature and certification number.
Do I need a chimney sweep before I can install a wood-burning stove?
Yes. Before installing any new heating appliance connected to the flue, a chimney inspection report is legally required. This report confirms that the flue is suitable for the planned appliance and fuel type.
I can inspect your existing flue before you purchase the stove, to advise whether it's suitable or whether lining will be needed. This can save you from expensive surprises.