Publication date: 28.03.2025
My name is Murzanovska Olena. I am a lawyer from Warsaw, Poland. I have 10 years of legal practice in Ukraine and 3 years of practice in Poland. The key areas in which I work are migration issues and labor law.
If you are planning to study, work or move to Poland, one of the key issues you will need to consider is finding the right apartment. This process can be complicated, especially for people who are not familiar with Polish regulations or do not speak Polish fluently. Olena Murzanovska will provide expert advice and practical assistance, including rental search, interpreting during a meeting with the landlord, and analyzing and translating the lease agreement.
Residential real estate rental in Poland. Main rental options:
- Dormitories (Akademik) - dormitories are mainly intended for students and offer a cheaper alternative to apartments rented on the private market. The conditions may vary depending on the university and the standard of the building. Most dormitories have specific rules, such as night silence and a ban on pets.
- Renting a room (Pokój do wynajęcia) is a popular choice for students and those looking to save money. Before renting an apartment, you should check the terms of the contract, any additional fees and the possibility of subletting.
- Apartment rental (Mieszkanie do wynajęcia) - apartment rental in Poland this option is best for families and people who value privacy. The cost of rent depends on the location, square footage, and standard of the apartment. It is worth checking whether the apartment is furnished and what conditions are included in the contract.
- House rental – long-term housing rental and ideal for large families or those looking for more space and privacy. Renting a house can be more expensive, especially if it is located near large cities.
- Monthly rental – short-term housing rental are suitable for tourists, freelancers or those who are in Poland temporarily. Such deals usually have a higher monthly rate, but do not require a long-term commitment.
What to pay attention to when renting?
- Rental contract (Umowa najmu) — sign only in writing, avoid oral agreements that can lead to legal problems.
- Deposit (Kaucja) — usually corresponds to the value of 1-2 months' rent, protects the landlord in the event of damage.
- Are utilities included (czynsz, media)? — check if water, electricity, gas, and internet are included in the housing for rent costs.
- Location — pay attention to the proximity to public transport, universities, workplace and shops.
- Check the housing before payment — avoid scammers and never pay money before viewing the premises.
Buying property in Poland
- Foreigners, including Ukrainians, can buy property without restrictions.
- Without permission, you can buy an apartment in a multi-story building or property under a legal entity.
Buying a house with a plot of land or land requires permission from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Legal assistance when renting or purchasing property in Poland
Legal assistance during the rental or purchase of property in Poland is an important step to ensure legal security and avoid potential issues. Here are some key moments where a lawyer can be helpful:
Renting housing:
- Checking the legal status of the owner: the lawyer verifies whether the landlord has the right to rent a place legally (whether they are the owner, whether they have the right to sign a rental contract). This helps avoid situations where the property is rented out illegally.
- Preparing and checking the rental agreement: the lawyer helps draft or review the rental agreement to ensure it complies with Polish law. It is important that the terms of the agreement clearly define the rights and obligations of both the tenant and the landlord.
- Preparing additional documents: if necessary, the lawyer helps prepare additional documents, such as checking the documentation for the apartment (its legal status, owner, debts).
- Consultation on the deposit (kaucja): the lawyer can provide recommendations regarding the amount of the deposit and its return conditions, as well as ensure that all conditions are fairly met.
Legal assistance when buying property:
- Checking the legal status of the property: the lawyer checks the legal status of the apartment or house to ensure there are no debts or legal obstacles (for example, the property is not mortgaged, there are no disputes with other owners).
- Checking the Land Register (Księga Wieczysta): the lawyer checks the land register, which contains records about ownership, encumbrances, possible sales restrictions, etc.
- Preparing the preliminary agreement (Umowa przedwstępna): the lawyer helps draft the preliminary agreement, which regulates the terms of the deal before signing the main contract. This document can provide protection to the buyer during negotiations.
- Preparing and checking the main purchase and sale agreement (Umowa sprzedaży): the lawyer checks the main agreement and all necessary documents for the transaction at the notary. The contract must be drawn up in accordance with Polish law and protect the buyer’s interests.
- Signing and registering the agreement: the lawyer can be present during the signing of the agreement at the notary and help with registering the new property with the authorities.
- Mortgage consultation: if the buyer plans to finance the purchase with a mortgage, the lawyer will help gather the necessary documents and prepare the mortgage application.
Advantages of working with a lawyer
- Legal security: in Poland, as in any other country, there are certain legal nuances that could cause problems if documents or contracts are not properly drawn up. A lawyer ensures legal security for the deal.
- Caution and protection of interests: the lawyer represents your interests and helps avoid signing unfavorable agreements or terms that may be disadvantageous to you in the future.
- Time and stress savings: the lawyer will provide advice and help properly prepare all documents, allowing you to focus on other aspects of the move or purchase.
- Resolving conflicts: if disputes arise with the landlord or property seller, the lawyer can act as a mediator and help resolve the conflict.
Rodzinny Ogród Działkowy (abbreviated ROD) — according to the Polish Law on Family Garden Plots from December 13, 2013, a separate area or areas designated for family garden plots (ROD), consisting of plots and common areas for joint use by plot owners.
When transferring an amount greater than 15,000 euros to a bank account, you must provide confirmation of the origin of the funds — this could be salary, property sale in Ukraine, or a deposit. Their origin and presence must be confirmed with documents.
If you want professional help with renting or buying property in Poland, it is always better to consult with an experienced lawyer to minimize risks and ensure the security of the transaction. Experienced lawyer Olena Murzanovska will help you complete all documents quickly and correctly and protect your interests when renting or purchasing property.
