How Not to Lose Money When Renting a Flat
How to avoid losing money when renting in Poland: deposit, scams, contract, guarantor statement and safety tips.
How Not to Lose Money When Renting a Flat
Renting in Poland carries risks: you might meet scammers, lose your deposit, or overpay for services. To avoid financial loss, you need to know the rules, the legal specifics, and how to protect your rights. This guide explains how to stay safe and keep your money.
Main financial risks in renting
- Losing the deposit. Some landlords keep the deposit without valid reasons.
- Advance payment to scammers. Money is sent and the flat doesn’t exist.
- Unofficial tenancy. Without a written contract you have little legal protection.
- Unclear utility charges. Inflated bills due to vague terms.
- Hidden penalties. Unfair clauses may be buried in the contract.
How to protect your deposit
- Always sign a written agreement (Najem Okazjonalny offers the strongest protection).
- Prepare a detailed check-in handover protocol with photos.
- Spell out deposit return conditions in the contract.
- Pay the deposit only by bank transfer or with a written receipt.
How to avoid scams
| Situation | Red flag | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Online listing | Below-market price, no photos or stock images | Verify the address and insist on an in-person viewing |
| Payment before signing | Landlord pushes for a quick transfer | Never pay without a signed contract |
| Owner without documents | Cannot prove ownership | Request an extract from the land & mortgage register (księga wieczysta) |
How to review the contract properly
- Read all clauses carefully, especially penalties and termination.
- Clarify who pays utilities and on what basis.
- Check that payment amounts and due dates are specified.
- Confirm the landlord’s signature and the notary’s form (for Najem Okazjonalny).
The role of the guarantor statement
With Najem Okazjonalny, a guarantor statement with a move-out address is mandatory. It reduces risks and makes the lease legally stronger. For the tenant it’s also a safeguard against unlawful, groundless evictions.
Practical tips for tenants
- Keep all payment confirmations and correspondence with the landlord.
- Never rely on verbal agreements.
- Compare market prices to avoid overpaying.
- Use reputable portals and agencies.
FAQ
How do I get my deposit back if the landlord refuses?
With a written contract you can involve a lawyer or go to court. Without a contract, recovery is very difficult.
Should students sign a Najem Okazjonalny lease?
Yes—especially for long-term rentals. It protects against sudden eviction and monetary loss.
Can I pay in cash?
Yes, but only with a written receipt. Bank transfer is preferable for transparency.
Conclusion
To avoid losing money when renting in Poland, sign a written contract, arrange a guarantor statement, verify documents, and document every payment. Najem Okazjonalny is the most reliable form of tenancy, reducing risks and providing legal protection for both tenant and landlord.
Useful materials and fresh news
Read tips, legal explanations, and important updates for tenants and landlords.
FAQ and additional materials · 12.09.2025
Complete glossary of Najem Okazjonalny terms
A complete glossary of terms related to Najem Okazjonalny in Poland: key concepts, legal terminology, definitions and explanations for tenants and landlords.
FAQ and additional materials · 12.09.2025
How to restore notarised documents in Poland
Step-by-step guide to restoring lost notarised documents in Poland: Najem Okazjonalny lease, guarantor statement and other attachments. Process, timelines, costs and tips.
FAQ and additional materials · 12.09.2025
What to do if you lose the guarantor statement for a Najem Okazjonalny lease
What to do after losing the Najem Okazjonalny guarantor statement in Poland: can you replace it, where to find copies, how to issue a new one, and how to avoid problems next time.
FAQ and additional materials · 12.09.2025
Can you change the terms of a Najem Okazjonalny lease in Poland?
A clear guide to amending a Najem Okazjonalny lease in Poland: which clauses can be changed, when a notary is required, how to document amendments properly, and the risks of verbal agreements.
FAQ and additional materials · 12.09.2025
How to terminate a Najem Okazjonalny lease early
Step-by-step guide to ending a Najem Okazjonalny lease in Poland before the end date: grounds for tenant and landlord, procedure, consequences, and ways to minimise risks.
FAQ and additional materials · 11.09.2025
Can you sublease a flat rented under a Najem Okazjonalny agreement
Can you sublet a flat in Poland if your lease is Najem Okazjonalny? What the law says, when it’s possible, and the risks for tenant and landlord.
FAQ and additional materials · 11.09.2025
Can you pay rent in cash in Poland
Can you pay for a flat or house in Poland in cash? What the law says, pros and cons of cash payments, risks, and practical tips for tenants.
FAQ and additional materials · 10.09.2025
What to do if your landlord doesn’t return the deposit in Poland
What to do if a landlord in Poland won’t return the security deposit: lawful reasons to withhold, return deadlines, step-by-step actions, and how to protect your rights.
FAQ and additional materials · 10.09.2025
How to register your address in a rented apartment in Poland
Step-by-step guide to registering your address in a rented apartment in Poland: required documents, the process, temporary vs. permanent registration, and FAQs.
FAQ and additional materials · 10.09.2025
What taxes does a landlord pay in Poland
A breakdown of the taxes a landlord pays in Poland when renting out a flat under Najem Okazjonalny or a standard lease. Rates, tax regimes, deadlines, and liability.
FAQ and additional materials · 09.09.2025
What to do if you need to leave early under a Najem Okazjonalny lease
Can a Najem Okazjonalny be ended early in Poland? Options, consequences for the tenant, and how to reduce risk when moving out before the end date.
FAQ and additional materials · 09.09.2025
Can you sign a Najem Okazjonalny for two tenants?
Whether a Najem Okazjonalny in Poland can cover two tenants at once. How to structure the lease, whether two guarantor statements are needed, benefits and risks.
FAQ and additional materials · 09.09.2025
How long it takes to finalize a Najem Okazjonalny lease
A breakdown of the timeline for Najem Okazjonalny in Poland: steps, typical durations, what causes delays, and how to speed things up.
FAQ and additional materials · 09.09.2025
Can you rent without a guarantor statement?
When renting in Poland, when is a guarantor statement not needed, how does that differ from Najem Okazjonalny, and what risks and alternatives exist?
FAQ and additional materials · 09.09.2025
Frequently Asked Questions about Najem Okazjonalny
Detailed answers to common questions about Najem Okazjonalny in Poland: setup, term, costs, and the rights & duties of landlord and tenant.
Mistakes and tips · 06.09.2025
What to Do If Neighbours Complain
How to handle neighbour complaints when renting in Poland: common causes, possible consequences, and ways for tenants to protect themselves.
Mistakes and tips · 06.09.2025
How to Behave at a Meeting with the Landlord
Tips for meeting a landlord: preparation, key questions, etiquette, and common mistakes to avoid.
Mistakes and tips · 06.09.2025
How to Determine a Fair Rent Price
How to gauge the real market rent in Poland: price drivers, comparing listings, common renter mistakes, and practical tips.
Mistakes and tips · 06.09.2025
Apartment Photos That Should Raise Red Flags
Which rental listing photos should make you cautious: signs of scams, hidden defects, and tips for verifying a flat.
Mistakes and tips · 06.09.2025
How to Prepare for a Move
A step-by-step moving plan: documents, packing, flat check, and tips for renters in Poland.
Mistakes and tips · 06.09.2025
How to Negotiate When Renting a Flat
How to negotiate rent in Poland: effective arguments, practical tips, mistakes to avoid, and the best timing for talks.
Mistakes and tips · 06.09.2025
How Not to Fall for Fake Guarantor Statements
How to spot forged guarantor statements for Najem Okazjonalny, red flags to watch for, and how to verify authenticity.
Mistakes and tips · 06.09.2025
How to Avoid Hidden Fees When Renting
The most common hidden fees in Polish rentals, how to spot them, and how to avoid them. Tenant tips and a pre-signing lease check.
Mistakes and tips · 06.09.2025
Why You Must Read the Lease Before Signing
Why you shouldn’t sign a lease “blind.” Key risks, clauses to review, tips for tenants, and mistakes to avoid.
Mistakes and tips · 05.09.2025
How to Inspect a Flat Before Renting
How to properly check a flat before renting: documents, check-in handover report, furniture, appliances and utilities. Tenant mistakes and tips.