Knowledge base · knowledge base
Rental Guides
Content for tenants and owners of rental apartments.
Landlord Path: Tenant Preparation and Selection
Before publication, it is necessary to determine the condition of the premises, equipment, expected rental period, rules regarding animals, number of residents and method of settling fees. The price should be assessed together with the quality of the property, season, location and contract terms.
- Prepare a list of equipment, photos of the condition of the premises and information about all regular fees.
- Specify the tenant's criteria related to the security of the contract and the method of using the premises.
- Verify identity, source of payment and consistency of information while respecting privacy and equal treatment principles.
- Don't promise terms that aren't included later in the draft contract.
Tenant path: cost, status and terms of use
The tenant should compare the total monthly cost, not just the rent to the landlord. You need to understand the amount of administrative fees, utilities, deposit, rules for increases, notice period and responsibility for repairs.
- Check who has the right to rent the premises and who signs the contract.
- Record existing damage and condition of equipment before handing over money and keys.
- Establish rules for settling the deposit, early termination of the lease and visits by the owner.
- Confirm which fees are fixed and which depend on the building's consumption or billing.
The contract should describe the actual method of renting
The draft contract must be read before paying the deposit and handing over the keys. The type of contract and required annexes depend on the situation of the parties, so in cases of doubt, it is worth using appropriate legal support.
- parties, the subject of the lease and persons entitled to reside there,
- rent, other fees, payment deadlines and method of documenting settlements,
- deposit, its purpose and terms of return,
- contract period, termination, repairs, insurance and rules for changes in the premises,
- handover report, photos, meters, keys and equipment list.
Poland · owner
The 10 most important tips for a landlord in Poland
The guidelines below describe Polish transaction realities according to the legal status and practice as at the date of publication. They do not replace the analysis of a specific land and mortgage register, contract or individual legal, tax, credit or technical advice.
- Choose the right type of contract. Ordinary lease, occasional lease and institutional lease have different conditions and annexes. Occasional lease is intended for an owner who is a natural person and does not conduct business in the field of renting premises, and requires, among others: notarial declaration of the tenant and indication of alternative premises.
- Make sure to report occasional rentals. The owner reports the conclusion of the contract to the head of the tax office competent for the owner's place of residence within 14 days from the commencement of the lease. Failure to notify may deprive the contract of the special procedure provided for occasional lease.
- Settle your lease according to current tax rules. Private rental is currently settled on a lump sum basis on recorded revenues; statutory rates depend on the level of income. Separate your refundable deposit from your income and keep proof of fees. If you have a business, VAT or several premises, confirm the model with your accountant or advisor.
- Verify tenants proportionately and legally. Confirm identity, residents and payment credibility, but only collect data needed to conclude and perform the contract. Determine the legal basis for processing, secure documents and do not keep copies of your ID card without justification.
- Break down each payment component. Separate the landlord's rent, administrative fees, utilities, internet, parking space and periodic settlements. The contract should indicate what may change, on what basis and how the tenant will receive settlement.
- Set bail in accordance with the law. The Act specifies the maximum deposit depending on the type of lease and the deadline for its return after the premises are vacated, after deducting the owner's fees. Don't call the deposit a non-refundable fee in your contract and don't automatically deduct normal wear and tear.
- Provide your energy certificate. When concluding a lease agreement, the tenant should receive a copy of the energy performance certificate if the obligation applies to the premises or building. The number and energy ratings also help honestly communicate potential usage costs.
- Make a detailed report with photos. Record the condition of walls, floors, equipment, furniture, meters, keys and any defects you notice. A signed protocol protects both parties and allows you to distinguish damage from normal wear and tear.
- Divide repair responsibilities according to the law and real equipment. The Act separates the obligations of the owner and the tenant; the contract should describe the failure reporting procedure, emergency access and consent to modifications. Do not include a general clause that shifts all repairs to the tenant.
- Respond to arrears according to a formal procedure. Document payments and requests. Termination due to arrears requires grounds and deadlines specified in the Act; arbitrarily changing locks or cutting off utilities does not replace legal proceedings.
Poland · tenant
The 10 most important tips for tenants in Poland
The guidelines below describe Polish transaction realities according to the legal status and practice as at the date of publication. They do not replace the analysis of a specific land and mortgage register, contract or individual legal, tax, credit or technical advice.
- Verify the person renting the property. Ask for a document confirming ownership or the right to rent the premises and check the land and mortgage register, if it exists. When an attorney signs, read the power of attorney; in the case of joint ownership, make sure that the contract is concluded effectively.
- Calculate the total monthly cost. Rent for the owner is not the same as administrative and utility fees. Ask for sample billing for different seasons and specify in the contract which fees are fixed, advance or consumption-based.
- Read the contract before depositing money. Check the duration, notice, raises, repairs, pets, subletting, number of residents and the owner's visitation policy. Don't base important findings on news unless it's included in the signed document.
- Recognize occasional leases. A notarial declaration of submission to enforcement and indication of another premises are real elements of this contract. Read each attachment and do not sign declarations regarding alternative housing without the consent of the person who has legal title to it.
- Pay the deposit based on the contract and confirmation. Write down the amount, bill, purpose of the deposit, deduction rules and return date. Transfer cash only with a receipt.
- Ask for a copy of the energy certificate. The certificate does not replace bills, but provides standardized information on the energy performance of the premises or building and should be provided at the conclusion of the contract, if the obligation applies.
- Do not take over the premises without a protocol. Take photos and note any existing defects, equipment condition, odometers and number of keys. Send a copy of the report to both parties and keep it until final settlement.
- Determine who repairs failures and when. Obligations result from the act and the contract. Find out who to report a leak, lack of heating, equipment failure or problem in a common area, and when the owner can enter the property.
- Document payments and submissions. Use described transfers, keep utility billings, and confirm important arrangements in writing. This makes it easier to end the lease and settle the deposit.
- Plan your move out according to your deadlines. Check the method of serving the notice of termination, the required period, restoration of the premises, settlements and the date of the handover report. The registration does not replace the legal title to the premises, and its issues should not be confused with the terms of the contract itself.
Sources and basis of guidance
FAQ
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Can I start with a consultation?
Yes. A short conversation lets us decide whether you need a valuation, listing selection, contract support or full representation.
Do you use AI?
Yes. AI supports analysis, data organization and work organization. The advisor is responsible for contact with the client, negotiations and recommendations.
Do you help in Polish and English?
Yes. We work with Polish clients, expats and international clients.
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