What the House Book is
The domovní kniha is a register that accommodation providers in the Czech Republic are legally required to keep, listing every guest who stays at the property along with their arrival and departure dates. It’s distinct from the Registration Book (evidenční kniha), which focuses on identity-document details for foreign guests — the House Book is the broader guest log.
Digital vs. paper
Czech law doesn’t require the House Book to be kept on paper. A digital record satisfies the requirement as long as it’s complete, accurate, and can be produced on request during an inspection. A digital House Book with timestamps and an audit trail is generally easier to keep accurate and complete than a handwritten log, since it doesn’t depend on someone remembering to fill it in.
Retention and inspections
Accommodation providers need to retain House Book records for the period set by law and be able to produce them if a trade licensing office or other authority requests them. Keeping records digitally and centrally — rather than split across paper books at each property — makes this much easier to manage at scale.
Informational only
This page is provided for general information and is not legal or tax advice. Rates, deadlines and exemptions are set by law and municipal ordinances and can change — always verify current requirements with your municipality or a qualified advisor.