Major Repairs by Landlord - Tenant Guide Poland

Repairs & maintenance – tenant/landlord duties 3 min read · published September 11, 2025

If a serious defect appears in a rented flat that the landlord should repair, it is important to know your rights and next steps. This article explains how a tenant can report the problem, what obligations the landlord has in Poland, and how to document and enforce repairs without escalating the conflict. It covers deadlines, ways of reporting, possible rent reduction and when to go to court. The article is aimed at tenants who want to act effectively but calmly, keeping evidence and understanding available legal remedies.

What is meant by "major repairs"?

Major repairs are works that go beyond minor maintenance and concern installations, structure or equipment affecting the usability of the premises — e.g. repair of central heating, water and sewage systems, replacement of electrical installation or removal of serious damp. Usually the landlord is responsible for restoring conditions that allow normal use of the dwelling.

In most cases the landlord is responsible for restoring basic housing conditions.

Steps for the tenant

  • Report the defect to the landlord in writing and keep a copy.
  • Take photos and videos and note the dates the problem occurred.
  • Set a reasonable deadline for the repair and remind the landlord if it passes.
  • If the landlord does not respond, consider arranging the repair at their expense after prior notice.
Always keep copies of all receipts and correspondence about the reported defect.

If the problem poses a health or safety risk, report it immediately and demand urgent intervention. In disputed situations, formal written requests with a clear deadline are helpful.

Responding to the request is best done in a form that can be documented (email, registered letter).

Documentation and legal basis

Documentation is key: photos, dates, copies of reports and any invoices. In Poland, the obligations of the parties to a tenancy stem from tenant protection laws and the rules of lease in the Civil Code.[1][2] If the landlord fails to carry out repairs, documents make it easier to pursue claims before the district court (civil division).

The more complete the documentation, the easier it is to demonstrate the scope of damage and delays.

FAQ

Who should larger repairs be reported to?
Major repairs are usually reported by the tenant to the landlord or property manager; the lease may specify the reporting method and deadlines.
Can I independently arrange a repair and charge the landlord?
You can do this only after formally requesting the landlord to repair and if they fail to respond without justification; keep receipts and inform the landlord in writing beforehand.
What if the landlord obstructs access to the property for repairs?
First try to agree a convenient time and contact in writing; if obstruction persists seek legal advice and consider court action.

How to

  1. Describe the problem and send a report to the landlord (email or registered letter) requesting a deadline.
  2. Take photos and record dates and any safety-related damages.
  3. If the landlord does not respond in time, send a reminder with a new deadline for the works.
  4. After unsuccessful notice, consider commissioning the repair and claiming reimbursement or a rent reduction, keeping all invoices.
  5. If the dispute remains unresolved, prepare documents and consider filing a lawsuit at the district court (civil division).
Keep proof of payment and letters to demonstrate incurred costs.

Key takeaways

  • Document every report and keep evidence.
  • Report defects in writing and set specific deadlines.
  • If there is no response, consider repairs at the landlord's cost or legal action.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Act of 21 June 2001 on the protection of tenants' rights - ISAP
  2. [2] Civil Code - ISAP

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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.

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