Who Pays for Social Housing in Eviction Poland

Landlord termination, arrears & eviction 2 min read · published September 11, 2025

Legal basics and responsibility

In Poland social housing is a form of housing assistance that a municipality can provide in specific situations. The law defines when a tenant or an evicted person has the right to social housing, the income and housing criteria, and the steps the municipality takes when allocating such housing.[1]

  • when a court orders eviction and temporary accommodation is required
  • when household income does not allow the household to resolve the situation on its own
  • when there are appeal deadlines and administrative procedures that must be observed
Collect proof of income and document correspondence with the municipality.

How the social housing allocation procedure looks

The process starts by submitting an application to the municipal office and presenting the required documents. The municipality assesses the housing and income situation and then issues an administrative decision. In eviction matters, court and administrative procedures may run in parallel, so it is important to know deadlines and appeal options.[2]

  • submit the application to the municipality's benefits or social assistance department
  • attach documents confirming income, arrears and housing circumstances
  • wait for the decision and be ready to appeal if the decision is negative
Documentation increases the chance of a favorable decision on the application.

What to do about arrears and the threat of eviction

If you have outstanding payments, act immediately: talk to the landlord, seek help from the municipality and check options for restructuring the debt. In court matters it is important to respond on time and possibly file motions to suspend eviction enforcement or to request social housing.

  1. contact the social assistance center and ask for advice
  2. gather and submit the application for social housing with supporting documents
  3. if court proceedings are ongoing, respond to letters and consider legal help
  4. prepare a moving plan and pack belongings if eviction becomes unavoidable
Respond to court letters within the specified deadline.

FAQ

Who is entitled to social housing?
Social housing is intended for people and families who, due to eviction or lack of adequate housing conditions, cannot secure housing at their own expense.
Does the municipality always have to provide housing after eviction?
Not always; the municipality assesses the situation according to statutory criteria and the availability of housing, and the decision can be negative and subject to appeal.
What deadlines apply for appealing a decision?
Appeal deadlines are specified in the administrative decision and in administrative procedure rules, so they must be monitored and appeals filed on time.

How-To

  1. Gather documents on income and certificates needed for the application.
  2. Submit the social housing application to the municipal office with the complete set of documents.
  3. Wait for the decision and, in case of refusal, file an appeal within the specified deadline.

Key Takeaways

  • Check and meet appeal deadlines.
  • Collect documents and receipts that reflect your situation.
  • Contact social or legal assistance as soon as possible.

Help and support


  1. [1] ISAP - Act on the Protection of Tenants' Rights
  2. [2] Ministry of Justice - Information on enforcement/eviction
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.