Utilities and Charges for Tenants in Poland
Utility bills are often the biggest source of misunderstandings between a tenant and a landlord. This practical guide explains common payment models in Poland, who usually covers electricity, water, heating and waste costs, and how to collect evidence and respond to incorrect bills. You will find simple steps: what to record in the lease, how to ask the landlord for repairs or billing corrections, and when to take the matter to court or use mediation. The text is aimed at tenants looking for clear information on rights and obligations in Poland without complicated legal jargon.
How utilities are billed in tenancy
The lease should clearly state whether utility charges are included in the rent, billed by meters, or charged as a flat fee. Basic rules concerning tenancy agreements and the responsibilities of the parties are set out in housing and civil law provisions.[1]
In most cases the lease specifies how charges are divided.
Common billing models
- Flat fee — the tenant pays a fixed amount for utilities.
- Metered billing — the tenant pays for their actual consumption (electricity, water, gas).
- Shared allocation or submeters — charges divided proportionally among residents.
Write the billing method into the lease to avoid disputes.
What the tenant pays and what the landlord pays
Generally, the tenant covers ongoing utility consumption and minor repairs, while the landlord is responsible for major repairs to installations and building maintenance in accordance with civil law obligations.[2]
- Tenant: charges for electricity, water, gas, waste collection (if agreed) and minor repairs.
- Landlord: repairs to installations, faults requiring professional service and ensuring the technical condition of the premises.
How to report a problem and what steps to take
If you receive an incorrect bill or the installation is faulty, act methodically: collect evidence, inform the landlord in writing and, if necessary, use mediation or the district court.[3] Below are practical steps.
- Gather evidence: bills, photos, meter readings and any messages from the landlord.
- Inform the landlord in writing (email or letter) and request correction or repair, giving a deadline for response.
- If the landlord does not respond, consider mediation or filing a claim at the district court (civil division).
Respond promptly — procedural deadlines are important.
Frequently asked questions
- Does the tenant have to pay for heating?
- It depends on the lease: if heating is billed by meter or as a flat fee, the terms must be written in the tenancy agreement.
- Can the landlord enter the apartment without the tenant's consent?
- The landlord should not enter without prior consent, except in emergencies (e.g., a hazard to safety).
- How to split a water bill in a shared apartment?
- It is best to agree in writing and use meters or a proportional division method agreed among residents.
How to
- Collect documents and bills that prove consumption.
- Send a written request to the landlord asking for explanation or correction.
- If there is no response, seek mediation or file a claim at the district court.
Key takeaways
- Keep bills and payment receipts organized for your protection.
- Report faults in writing and request necessary safety repairs.
