
Dispute with landlord. Will not return deposit
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Nazywam się Alexander, jestem Twoim osobistym menedżerem. Pozwól sobie pomóc!

Niedawno nasz zespół otrzymał pytanie: “My family rented a house in Katowice for several years. When we decided to move out, the landlord started making up problems and refused to return our 3,500 zloty deposit, claiming damage that was not our fault! Does it make sense to take her to court, and do we have a chance of winning?”
Chcielibyśmy podzielić się odpowiedziami naszych ekspertów:
08.09.2025 17:50:03 Deciding whether to take your landlord to court over a deposit dispute involves several considerations. Here are some steps and factors to consider: 1. **Review the Lease Agreement**: Check your lease for terms related to the security deposit, including conditions for its return and any clauses about damages. 2. **Document Everything**: Gather all evidence that supports your case. This includes: - Photographs of the property taken before moving in and after moving out. - Any communication with the landlord regarding the condition of the property. - Receipts or invoices if you paid for repairs or maintenance. 3. **Understand Local Laws**: Research Polish tenancy laws, as they will govern how deposits should be handled and what constitutes legitimate reasons for withholding them. In Poland, landlords generally must provide proof of damage beyond normal wear and tear to justify keeping a deposit. 4. **Attempt Mediation**: Before going to court, try resolving the issue through mediation or negotiation with your landlord. Sometimes a formal letter outlining your position can prompt a resolution. 5. **Small Claims Court**: If informal efforts fail, you might consider taking legal action in small claims court (Sąd Grodzki) if applicable amounts fall within their jurisdiction limits. 6. **Legal Advice**: Consult with a lawyer specializing in tenancy law in Poland. They can provide specific advice on your chances of success based on local laws and your evidence. 7. **Cost vs Benefit Analysis**: Consider whether pursuing legal action is worth it financially and emotionally compared to the amount disputed. If you have solid evidence that refutes the landlord's claims and shows that any alleged damages are not beyond normal wear and tear, you may have a good chance of winning in court. However, outcomes can vary depending on specifics like evidence strength, local legal interpretations, and procedural matters.
09.09.2025 17:39:39 Yes, it makes sense to take legal action if your landlord refuses to return the deposit without valid grounds. In Poland, the security deposit (kaucja) must be returned within one month after you move out, minus only legitimate costs of repair for damages caused by the tenant beyond normal wear and tear. The landlord must prove the damage with evidence (e.g., expert opinion, photos, invoices). If you have documentation such as the handover protocol, photos of the flat when you left, and proof of regular payments, your chances in court are strong. For a 3,500 PLN claim, you can file a case in the small claims procedure in the district court (sąd rejonowy), which is relatively straightforward and inexpensive. Many tenants successfully recover deposits this way.
14.09.2025 23:56:08 Yes, it can make sense to take the case to court if the landlord refuses to return your deposit without real grounds. Under Polish law, the landlord may only deduct costs for actual damage caused by the tenant, not for normal wear and tear. To strengthen your case, gather all possible evidence: the rental agreement, proof of deposit payment, move-in and move-out protocols (if any), photos of the property at the end of tenancy, and witness statements if available. Small claims courts in Poland handle such disputes relatively efficiently, and many tenants win if the landlord cannot prove the alleged damage. Consulting a lawyer or tenant rights advisor in Katowice is recommended before filing.

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