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25.08.2025
Advice
Your first rental can be an exciting adventure and often the first step towards independence. However, it’s worth remembering a few aspects to make sure that renting an apartment in Poland does not turn into a nightmare. What should you know as a tenant before renting your first apartment?
The first element to consider when renting an apartment is to define your maximum budget and needs. Remember that apart from the rent paid to the landlord, the total rental costs also include:
Ideally, your total rental expenses should not exceed 50% of your income – especially when the landlord decides on tenant verification. In such a case, to obtain a positive verification result, your income should amount to at least twice the monthly rental costs.
As a tenant, when signing formalities, you will encounter two types of rental contracts in Poland: standard rental agreement and occasional rental agreement.
This is the basic form of rental, regulated by the Civil Code and the Act on the Protection of Tenants’ Rights. It can be concluded – depending on the arrangements – for a fixed term (determined) or indefinite term (undetermined).
Remember that in the case of a fixed-term contract, you cannot terminate it unless there is a clause allowing unilateral termination with notice. In the case of an indefinite-term agreement, under the Act on the Protection of Tenants’ Rights, you have a three-month notice period, and the landlord cannot shorten it. The only exception is when defects in the premises directly threaten the tenant’s life or health – in such cases, termination occurs immediately.
This is a more formalized type of rental, which provides greater security for the landlord. Only a natural person can be a tenant, and the property must be used exclusively for residential purposes. It is regulated by the Act on the Protection of Tenants’ Rights and can only be concluded for a fixed term – up to a maximum of 10 years.
If the landlord opts for this type of agreement, in addition to signing the standard contract, you will need to visit a notary to submit a declaration of voluntary submission to enforcement. This special document makes eviction easier for the landlord in case of overdue payments or significant damage to the property.
You will also need to indicate a replacement property where you would move in case of eviction. The owner of the indicated property must confirm their consent to accept you. If you cannot provide such a replacement address, you can use the service of purchasing an address for an occasional rental agreement on our simpl.rent website.
In the case of an occasional lease agreement, if the landlord terminates the contract for reasons specified by law, you have a one-month notice period. The agreement may be terminated due to:
Termination of the agreement by the tenant before its expiration is not possible unless the landlord included such a clause in the contract. Remember that you can also terminate the agreement by mutual consent, which requires a compromise between the landlord and the tenant, as well as both parties’ signatures in writing.
The rental agreement is the key document in case of disputes. Protect yourself and make sure it includes all the necessary details, such as:
Remember that the provisions must comply with the Act on the Protection of Tenants’ Rights. Even if you sign a contract that violates the law, it is invalid under current regulations. If something is unclear, ask the landlord to include it in the written agreement – this way, you’ll protect yourself against unfair practices.
The handover protocol is the main document confirming the actual condition of the apartment. It includes meter readings on the day of key handover, description of furniture, walls, floors, appliances, and often photos. It must be signed by both parties. If you notice defects in the first days (e.g., a cracked panel or chipped paint), the landlord cannot charge you for repairs.
Also, the landlord must have an Energy Performance Certificate for the property, which contains information about the apartment’s total energy demand. This certificate must be handed over when you move in.
In Poland, the relationship between tenant and landlord is regulated by the Act on the Protection of Tenants’ Rights, municipal housing regulations, and the Civil Code. Knowing your rights and obligations will help you avoid conflicts and privacy violations.
Your main obligation is to pay rent and other fees on time – otherwise, arrears may result in early termination by the landlord.
As a tenant, you are responsible for keeping the property in good technical condition and clean. You may also be required to carry out minor repairs, such as painting walls, replacing light bulbs, or fixing small damages.
However, the landlord is responsible for ensuring proper functioning of plumbing, gas, and electrical systems, as well as major repairs (doors, floors, installations). The landlord must also ensure safe use of the property, including regular inspections.
Any modifications (e.g., installing your own equipment) require the landlord’s approval.
If you cause accidental damage (e.g., dropping a glass and breaking the induction hob), you cover the costs as the tenant. You can also protect yourself with tenant liability insurance.
The landlord has the right to inspect the apartment. However, inspections must respect your privacy. Therefore, visits must be agreed upon in advance – the landlord cannot enter without your permission or in your absence.
If inspections (e.g., gas, ventilation) are required, it is your responsibility to allow access for authorized technicians.
The landlord has the right to increase rent once a year, in line with the inflation rate announced by the Central Statistical Office (GUS). The landlord must also inform you of the new rounded amount. In this case, as a tenant, you cannot terminate the contract – it is a standard procedure to adjust payments to economic conditions.
In other cases of rent increase, you have the right to refuse acceptance of the new terms, which results in termination of the contract. You can also demand justification for the increase. By law, the landlord may adjust rent no more than once every six months.
If you do not agree with the new terms, you must refuse in writing within two months. Alternatively, you can file a lawsuit disputing the increase. In that case, the landlord must prove that the new rent is justified.
If the rental agreement is terminated by either party, you are obliged to vacate the property. If you do not comply after written notice, the landlord has the right to file an eviction lawsuit. After a court ruling, the landlord applies for an enforcement clause, starting the eviction procedure.
Exceptions exist when you are entitled to social housing provided by the municipality. This applies to:
For occasional rental agreements, eviction occurs once the enforcement clause is issued. You are not entitled to social housing – according to the voluntary enforcement declaration, you must move to the replacement property indicated in the contract.
Renting your first apartment is an important step towards independence but also a challenge. The key to avoiding problems is to realistically define your budget, carefully review the agreement, and understand your rights and obligations. Don’t forget about the handover protocol, energy performance certificate, and the conscious choice of rental type. Thanks to this, renting will become a safe and comfortable experience rather than a source of stress.
The content on the simpl.rent website reflects the views of the authors and does not constitute legal advice or legal opinions, nor can it serve as a substitute for them. Please note that each case should be treated individually, taking into account the accompanying circumstances. To determine the legal status in an individual case, we encourage you to seek professional legal assistance.
