Tenant Evidence in Poland: Photos & Reports

Repairs & maintenance – tenant/landlord duties 2 min read · published September 11, 2025

Collecting reliable evidence helps tenants in Poland protect their rights in repair disputes, lease terminations or evictions. This text explains which types of materials are useful — photos, notes on defects, expert opinions and all correspondence with the landlord — and how to store, label and present them when filing complaints or in court. I show simple steps to secure evidence, formal tips and practical examples of using documentation. The article considers Polish procedures and useful sources so a tenant can act confidently and in accordance with the law.

Which evidence to collect

Reliable documentation is based on several types of materials. The more details (dates, descriptions, signatures), the stronger the tenant's position.

  • Photos of defects and damages, with dates and descriptions.
  • Correspondence with the landlord: emails, SMS, letters.
  • Expert opinions or inspection reports.
  • Receipts and payment confirmations (rent, repairs).
  • An event log: notes with dates and times.
Detailed documentation increases your chances of a favorable outcome in a dispute.

Legal bases concerning tenant protection and parties' obligations include the Act on the Protection of Tenants and relevant Civil Code provisions[1].

Respond to letters and deadlines to avoid losing procedural rights.

How to present evidence in a dispute

When preparing documents for a complaint or lawsuit, keep a simple structure: chronology of events, copies of evidence, an inventory with descriptions and where the original is kept. Include clear contact details and a statement of the requested remedy (e.g., repair, rent reduction, compensation).

  • Arrange evidence in chronological order.
  • Attach copies of correspondence and delivery confirmations.
  • Describe each photo or document with a short note.
  • If the landlord does not respond, send a written request for repairs and keep delivery proof.
  • If the case goes to court, prepare documents for filing following formal requirements[2].
Keep copies of all documents and make electronic backups.

In eviction or security cases, procedures are strictly regulated and require timely documents and deadlines to be met[3].

FAQ

Can I use photos as evidence?
Yes. Photos with dates and descriptions are useful but are strongest when combined with other evidence like correspondence and receipts.
When is an expert opinion needed?
An expert opinion is helpful when the dispute concerns technical matters, such as the extent of damage or cause of a failure.
How do I file a claim for repair or compensation?
Prepare a description of the claim, an inventory of evidence and copies of documents, and file the claim with the district court competent for the rental location[2].

How-To

  1. Take photos and record dates and locations.
  2. Save all correspondence with the landlord.
  3. Create an inventory of evidence with short descriptions.
  4. Send a written request for repairs and keep proof of delivery.
  5. If there is no response, file a claim at the district court with the attached evidence list[2].
Check court competence and formal requirements before filing a claim.

Help and Support / Resources


  1. [1] Act on the Protection of Tenants — ISAP
  2. [2] Information for tenants — Gov.pl
  3. [3] Court procedures and evictions — Ministry of Justice
Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Poland

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.