🏠 Tenant & Housing RightsTenant Rights in Poland: Lease Agreements & Landlord Obligations
Understand your tenant rights in Poland — what must be in a lease, what landlords must do, and how to protect yourself under Polish law.
Last verified: April 2026
Renting a home in Poland is governed primarily by the Civil Code (Kodeks Cywilny) and the Tenant Protection Act (Ustawa o ochronie praw lokatorów), which together set out the rights and responsibilities of both tenants and landlords. Whether you are renting a flat in Warsaw or a house in Kraków, the law provides important protections you should know about. Understanding these rules can help you avoid disputes, protect your deposit, and ensure your landlord meets their legal obligations.
⚖️ Your Key Rights
- ✓You have the right to receive a written lease agreement that clearly states the rent amount, payment terms, duration of the tenancy, and the condition of the property at handover.
- ✓Your landlord must ensure the property is in a liveable condition at the start of the tenancy and must carry out major repairs — such as fixing structural defects, heating systems, or plumbing — throughout the rental period.
- ✓Your security deposit cannot legally exceed three months' rent, and the landlord must return it within one month after you vacate, minus any documented deductions for damage beyond normal wear and tear.
- ✓Your landlord cannot raise the rent more than once every six months, and must give you at least three months' written notice before any rent increase takes effect.
- ✓You cannot be evicted without proper legal notice — the notice period depends on how long you have lived there and the reason for termination, and a landlord generally cannot force you out without a court order.
- ✓Your landlord must respect your right to quiet enjoyment of the property and cannot enter the premises without your consent, except in genuine emergencies.
- ✓If you are in a vulnerable situation (e.g., pregnant, disabled, elderly, or a minor), you have enhanced protection against eviction, and the landlord may be required to provide alternative housing before removing you.
📋 Common Situations Explained
Landlord refuses to return the security deposit
After you move out, your landlord has up to one month to return your deposit. If they withhold it without providing a written, itemised list of deductions for actual damage you caused, you can demand it back in writing and, if necessary, pursue the claim in a civil court. Normal wear and tear — such as minor scuffs on walls — cannot legally justify withholding the deposit.
Landlord wants to raise the rent significantly
Rent increases are permitted, but your landlord must give you at least three months' written notice before the new rent takes effect, and increases can happen no more than once every six months. If the increase seems unreasonably high, you can challenge it before a local rent tribunal (komisja rozjemcza) or in court, especially if the property is subject to rent controls applicable to older housing stock.
Landlord fails to make necessary repairs
If your heating breaks down in winter or there is a serious plumbing fault, your landlord is legally obliged to fix it. You should notify them in writing and set a reasonable deadline. If they do not act, you may be able to arrange the repair yourself and deduct the cost from your rent, but it is wise to seek legal advice before doing so to avoid breaching your own obligations.
Landlord tries to evict you without proper notice
A landlord cannot simply tell you to leave immediately unless there are very specific legal grounds, such as non-payment of rent for at least three months after a formal written warning. Even then, they must go through a court process to obtain an eviction order — changing locks or removing your belongings without a court order is illegal and you can report it to the police.
Lease agreement signed only verbally or informally
Polish law allows verbal rental agreements, but this creates serious practical problems for both parties. Without a written lease, proving the agreed rent, deposit amount, or notice terms is very difficult. If you are renting without a written contract, it is strongly advisable to formalise the arrangement in writing as soon as possible to protect your rights.
🚀 What To Do
- 1Before signing a lease, read it carefully — check the rent amount, notice periods, deposit terms, any clauses about subletting, and who is responsible for which repairs. If anything is unclear, ask for clarification in writing.
- 2When you move in, create a written inventory (protokół zdawczo-odbiorczy) of the property's condition, ideally with dated photographs, signed by both you and your landlord — this protects you when you move out.
- 3Always pay your rent in a way that leaves a paper trail, such as a bank transfer, so you have proof of payment if a dispute arises.
- 4If a problem arises — such as needed repairs or a rent increase — communicate with your landlord in writing (email or registered letter) and keep copies of all correspondence.
- 5If your landlord violates your rights, contact your local municipal office (urząd gminy/miasta), the Rzecznik Praw Obywatelskich (Ombudsman), or a free legal advice centre (e.g., through the powiat legal aid system) for guidance.
- 6If the dispute cannot be resolved informally, you can file a claim in a local civil court (sąd rejonowy) — cases involving amounts up to 20,000 PLN are handled in simplified proceedings, which are faster and cheaper.
👨⚖️ When to Get a Lawyer
You should consult a lawyer if your landlord is attempting to evict you, has withheld a large deposit without justification, or if you have received legal documents or a court summons related to your tenancy. A lawyer is also advisable if you are being pressured to sign a lease with unusual or potentially illegal clauses.
🔗 Official Resources
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