Foreigners living in Poland often face the problem of renting housing, as its cost often takes up a significant portion of their income. However, there is the possibility of renting municipal housing, which can be significantly cheaper!
Social housing in Poland for foreigners
Foreigners living in Poland often face the problem of renting housing, as its cost can take up a significant part of their income. However, there is an opportunity to rent municipal housing, which can be significantly cheaper. Here we will look at the main categories of such housing, the conditions for obtaining it, and the features of the rental.
What is municipal housing?
Municipal housing is residential property owned by the municipality and provided for rent to low-income individuals. There are several types of municipal housing that are important to know about to choose the right option.
Categories of municipal housing in Poland
- Social housing (Lokale socjalne)
Description: the cheapest rental option with low quality (may lack heating, bathroom, etc.).
Conditions for obtaining: low income, difficult living conditions (unemployment, eviction by court order, pregnant single women).
Features: rental is terminated when the grounds disappear, cannot transfer the right to rent by inheritance. - Communal housing (Mieszkanie komunalne)
Description: higher quality housing compared to social, intended for families. The right to rent can be transferred by inheritance.
Conditions for obtaining: low income, duration of residence is not limited if the grounds are maintained.
Features: cost is higher than social housing but significantly lower than commercial rent. - Housing for renovation (Mieszkanie za remont)
Description: communal housing in poor condition, requiring major repairs at the expense of the tenant.
Conditions for obtaining: carrying out repair work at their own expense, exemption from rent for up to 60 months.
Features: requires skills in construction and repair or an additional budget for specialists.
Can a foreigner rent social housing in Poland?
Foreigners can apply for municipal housing if they meet certain conditions, such as:
- residence in Poland;
- low income confirmed for the last three months;
- having a legal status of stay (residence card, long-term stay).
Queues for communal apartments
One of the main obstacles is the large queue for communal housing, which can reach from 70 to 150 thousand families. The situation varies in different voivodeships and municipalities, and sometimes it is faster to get an apartment in small towns.
Procedure for obtaining municipal housing in Poland
- Contacting the municipality – find out where and how to apply.
- Collecting documents. You will need an identity document (passport, residence card), confirmation of legal stay in Poland, an application for participation in the social housing program, income confirmation, information about family members.
- Submitting documents to the municipality office and waiting for verification.
- Apartment offer: the municipality offers options, the applicant can refuse the offered apartments up to three times.
- Signing a lease agreement after agreeing on the property.
Where to look for free housing for Ukrainians in Poland?
Since July 1, Poland has suspended the program of compensation for accommodating Ukrainian refugees, which forces many to look for new options for free housing. The Polish government has created several portals to help Ukrainians, one of which is Pomagam Ukrainie. On this portal, you can find information about available housing and other types of support.
Municipal administrations also offer special programs for refugees and can provide the necessary assistance. Ukrainians can count on accommodation in collective centers, where the first 120 days will be free, and then some categories will be able to continue living for free, while others will pay up to 60 zlotys per day.
In addition, assistance is provided by various charitable organizations, foundations, and religious communities in Poland.
Conclusion
Obtaining municipal housing in Poland is a complex process, but with the necessary grounds and patience, it can significantly save on rent. With legal status and meeting income criteria, the chances of success are quite real. Ukrainians should take advantage of existing portals and support programs to find free housing.
Lawyers from “Consultant” provide consultations on renting housing, help gather all the necessary documents, and brokers on our marketplace will help you find any housing according to your individual request.
