Court Costs and Relief for Tenants in Poland

As a tenant in Poland you may worry about court costs when disputing with a landlord. This article explains when a court can impose fees, the rules for exemption from court costs, and how to prepare an application for exemption or installment payments. It outlines simple steps: which documents to gather, what criteria to consider when applying for an exemption, and where to seek help at offices and courts. The advice is practical and focused on tenant situations — e.g., eviction disputes, unpaid rent, or apartment repairs. You will receive a checklist of actions to take, deadlines, and tips on evidence useful at trial. At the end you will find an FAQ, a step-by-step guide, and links to official regulations and forms to help prepare your case.

When can you apply for exemption from court costs?

An exemption from court costs (also called cost relief) is available to persons who cannot bear the costs of the proceedings without harming essential means of subsistence. The court considers income, family maintenance expenses and assets. In disputes involving tenants about eviction or rent arrears it is worth filing an exemption application already when submitting the claim or the response^[1][2].

What does the court assess?

The court compares regular income with necessary expenses and takes into account the number of dependents. Full exemption is not always granted — the court can grant partial exemption or installments.

Which documents to prepare?

• Documents proving income (payslips, benefit statements, decisions on benefits).
• Bank statements and bills showing monthly expenses.
• Documents on liabilities (loans, maintenance payments) and a list of dependents.
• Correspondence with the landlord and the tenancy agreement.

Course of the court procedure

The application is submitted in writing with justification and attachments. The District Court (Civil Division) examines the application and issues a decision; if refused, an appeal is possible. In tenancy cases a common solution is partial waiver of fees or allocation of costs between parties^[3].

FAQ

Can every tenant expect exemption from court costs?

No, it depends on financial and asset situation; the court makes the decision after reviewing documents.

What are common reasons for refusal of exemption?

Lack of sufficient evidence of financial hardship or owning significant assets may result in refusal.

Where to file an application for exemption from costs?

The application is filed with the court handling the case, usually the District Court – Civil Division.

How to proceed

1. Gather proof of income and expenses and the tenancy agreement.
2. Complete and sign the exemption application, attaching supporting documents.
3. Submit the application to the court together with the procedural document or before the hearing.
4. If the court refuses, consider an appeal or a request to pay fees in installments.
5. Seek help from a legal advice center or tenant support organization if you need assistance.

Key takeaways

• Exemption depends on a careful assessment of the tenant's financial situation.
• Financial documents and correspondence with the landlord are essential.
• It is advisable to file the application early in the proceedings.

Help and Support

• Legal texts and statutes on ISAP
• Citizen information and forms on GOV.PL
• Court and civil procedure information on MS.GOV.PL

1. [1] ISAP: Act on the Protection of Tenants' Rights
2. [2] ISAP: Civil Code (tenancy)
3. [3] MS.GOV.PL: Information on courts and civil procedure