💡 In Czech buildings it is usual to greet neighbours on the stairs: Dobrý den, Dobrý večer, even if you don't know each other; between acquaintances people say briefly Dobrý.
💡 New neighbours often introduce themselves at the first meeting; you can say which flat you are from: Bydlím ve třetím patře, v bytě osm.
💡 Pomůžu vám? and Pomoct? are short offers of help; the answer Děkuji, zvládnu to means you can manage.
💡 Czechs like to chat to neighbours about the weather; they say Dobrý den to everybody they meet on the stairs, even strangers; a short chat is a sign of politeness.
💡 Czech neighbours often help: they take in the post and water plants while someone is away; a key is entrusted only to people you know well; after returning they thank you with a small gift, such as coffee or chocolate.
💡 Night quiet (noční klid) in the Czech Republic usually applies from ten p.m. to six a.m.; the exact hours are in the domovní řád (house rules) of your building.
💡 In the Czech Republic it is customary to warn neighbours about a party or renovation: a note on the door or a word on the stairs; it is polite and reduces complaints.
💡 The domovní řád usually says where prams and bikes may stand: in a kočárkárna (pram room), in the cellar or in the yard; not on the stairs for fire safety reasons.
💡 In some buildings residents clean the stairs in turn by a rozpis (rota), in others a company does it and it is included in the charges; ask the správce (manager) or neighbours how it is in your building.
💡 The domovní řád (house rules) often forbids charcoal grills on the balcony and allows electric ones; a polite reply to a remark is Omlouvám se, to jsem nevěděl(a) (I'm sorry, I didn't know).
💡 In a Czech building nothing is left on the stairs or in the corridor (those are únikové cesty, escape routes); bikes go to the kolárna (bike room) or the cellar.
💡 In the Czech Republic rubbish is sorted: papír (paper, blue), plast (plastic, yellow), sklo (glass, green or white and coloured), bio (organic, brown), směsný odpad (the rest, black or grey).
💡 Bulky items (velkoobjemový odpad) are not simply put by the bins: they are taken to a sběrný dvůr (collection yard) or you wait for the seasonal bulky-waste container announced by the town.
💡 Svoz odpadu is rubbish collection on a schedule by days and types; the calendar is sent by the town or found on the service company's website.
💡 In the Czech Republic waste is sorted: žlutý kontejner (yellow) is for plastic, modrý (blue) for paper, zelený (green) for glass, hnědý (brown) for organic waste; the rest goes in the grey or black one; see the collection schedule on the city website.
💡 A sběrný dvůr is a collection point for bulky and hazardous waste: furniture, electronics, batteries; it is usually free for residents; they may ask for proof of residence.
💡 The schůze společenství vlastníků (SVJ) is a meeting of flat owners: they decide on repairs, the fund (fond oprav) and costs; a tenant usually doesn't vote but may attend.
💡 General breakdowns (lift, stair lights, intercom) are reported to the správce domu (property manager): by phone, email or at the office; the number hangs by the entrance.
💡 The entrance key or chip is issued by the správce (manager) or the owner on the basis of the lease; the first key is usually free, a lost one is charged; ask the opening hours.
💡 The payments to the owners' community include the fond oprav (repair fund), money for repairs of the building; the tenant pays the owner and the owner pays the community; ask in the contract what the price includes.
💡 Borrowing a small tool from a neighbour is normal; you say how long you need it and when you will return it, and thank with a gift or word.
💡 An invitation to coffee and cake is a common way to get to know people; you bring the hosts a small gift: flowers or sweets.
💡 In the Czech Republic every name has a day in the calendar - the svátek (name day); the greeting is Všechno nejlepší k svátku! It is common among neighbours and colleagues.
💡 At a shared barbecue everybody brings something: a salad, a cake or drinks; ask Co mám přinést? (What should I bring?), which is how you get to know your neighbours.
💡 Czechs gladly help their neighbours; an invitation for coffee or a small gift is the usual thanks; to Děkuji they reply Není zač.