Cash Payments and Receipts — Tenant Rights in Poland
As a tenant in Poland, it is important to know how to safely make cash payments and how to obtain a receipt of payment. Lack of payment proof can make it difficult to pursue claims or defend against unjustified demands from the landlord. This text explains practical steps: which documents to collect, how to request written confirmation, when to send a registered letter and what legal options exist if the landlord refuses to issue confirmation. You will find a simple action plan for common apartment rental situations in Poland, tips on evidence and deadlines to remember to protect your rights.
What to do before and after payment
Before you hand over cash, ask for a clear statement of what you are paying for (rent, utilities, advances) and request a receipt. If the landlord agrees to cash payment, best practice is to obtain a signed paper receipt with the date and amount.
Keep all payment receipts and descriptions of the transaction.
Example documents to collect
- A receipt signed by the landlord with the exact amount.
- A cash register receipt or confirmation of transfer if a partial payment was made by transfer.
- A photo of the signed document or a scan sent by e-mail for an electronic copy.
- A note with witnesses (name, date, short statement) if someone was present when cash was handed over.
Documentation increases your chances in a dispute before court.
Legal basis and deadlines
In the context of tenancy, the provisions of the Act on the Protection of Tenants and the Civil Code apply, which regulate tenants' rights and landlords' obligations.[1][2]
Respond quickly to missing confirmation to avoid losing evidence and procedural deadlines.
What to avoid
Do not leave payments without proof. Avoid oral agreements without confirmation and do not sign documents whose content you do not understand. If the landlord proposes a "receipt later," arrange it in writing and set a deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Must the landlord issue a receipt when paying in cash?
- There is no single regulation requiring a receipt for every cash transfer, but the tenant may demand proof of payment and such proof is important when pursuing claims.
- Which proofs are strongest in a dispute?
- The strongest are written confirmations with date and landlord's signature, a receipt, bank transfer confirmation, a photo of the signed document, and witness statements.
- What to do if the landlord refuses to provide confirmation?
- Send a registered letter requesting confirmation, keep copies of documents and consider filing a claim in the district court if the landlord still refuses.
How to report and document a payment
- Keep proof of payment (receipt, transfer confirmation or signed receipt).
- Ask the landlord for a written receipt with date and amount.
- Send the landlord a registered letter requesting confirmation and keep the posting receipt.
- If there is no response, file a claim in the district court with attached evidence.
The district court hears most landlord-tenant disputes between private parties.
Conclusions
Collect evidence for every payment, request written confirmation and act quickly if the landlord refuses. Good documentation is the basic protection for a tenant in Poland.
