Poland · Transaction safety
Rental Contract in Poland: 8 Points Without Which Don't Sign
Term, amount, rules for rent increases, liability for breakdowns, deposit, termination. A template with explanations for each clause for tenants in Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw, and Gdansk.
A standard rental contract downloaded from the internet usually protects the landlord. These 8 points make it equal — you are paying for a service and have the right to receive it predictably. If the landlord refuses to include even one of them without a clear explanation, that is a strong signal to look for a different apartment.
§ 01
Money and terms
- 01Rental term and automatic renewal
A clearly stated term (e.g. 12 months) and renewal conditions: automatic or with 30 days' notice. An 'indefinite term' contract is legally weaker.
- 02Amount and rules for increases
Record the amount and currency (zł). The key clause — increases: no more than once per year and no more than a specified percentage (usually linked to inflation). Without this, the landlord can raise the price at any time.
- 03Composition of the rent
What is included in the rent (administrative charges, internet, heating) and what is paid separately. Without clear wording, bills arrive unexpectedly high.
§ 02
Deposit and liability
- 01Conditions for deposit return
A specific return deadline (e.g. 14 days after checkout) and a closed list of grounds for retention: arrears, damage beyond normal wear. 'Normal wear' — write it out in words, otherwise that's exactly where you'll get caught.
- 02Breakdowns and who pays
Appliance wear (e.g. washing machine breaks after 3 years) — landlord's responsibility. Damage caused by the tenant — tenant pays. This must be in the contract, not merely 'implied'.
- 03Landlord's visits
Without prior notice the landlord has no right to enter. At least 24 hours' notice and only during working hours. Without this clause the right to privacy of the home is blurred.
§ 03
Termination
- 01Notice period for vacating
30 days is the standard. Less — grounds for the landlord to retain the deposit. If the contract says '60 days', negotiate down to 30.
- 02Grounds for termination by the landlord
There must be a closed list: payment arrears of over 30 days, damage, disturbing neighbours' peace. An open-ended clause 'at the landlord's discretion' = you can be evicted at any moment.
⚠ This material is for informational purposes only and does not replace legal advice. For major transactions always work with a qualified specialist in your country.