Pests in Rental Property - Tenant Rights in Poland
Finding pests in a rented apartment is stressful, but a tenant has rights and possible courses of action. This article explains who in Poland is responsible for pest control, when a landlord should arrange extermination, what evidence to gather and what legal steps to take if repairs are not carried out. It also discusses practical advice on notifying the landlord, repair deadlines, documenting damage and when you may withhold part of the rent or seek court help. If you are not a lawyer, you will find plain explanations of terms and tips on how to protect your rights as a tenant in Poland.
Who is responsible for pest removal?
Responsibility depends on the cause and the lease terms. Generally the landlord is responsible for providing a habitable property and carrying out necessary repairs, including pest control if pests result from building defects or installations.[1]
Landlord obligations
The landlord should address causes related to the technical condition of the property and arrange professional extermination when necessary. If the problem stems from the landlord's negligence, costs are usually borne by the landlord.
- Accept the tenant's report and schedule an inspection.
- Allow specialists to enter to perform extermination.
- Cover the costs of the action if the defect results from the property or technical condition.
Tenant obligations
The tenant should promptly notify the landlord, keep the premises clean and cooperate with preventive measures. If pests result from the tenant's neglect, the tenant may bear removal costs.
How to document the problem
Good documentation increases the chances of effective action: photos, dates of reports, copies of correspondence and any reports from extermination companies.
- Take photos and short videos showing pests and affected areas.
- Keep copies of messages and reports to the landlord.
- Collect invoices from cleaning or extermination companies if such services were needed.
If the landlord does not respond
If the landlord delays, the tenant can send a formal demand to remedy the defect with a set deadline. Depending on the situation, you may consider arranging services at the landlord's expense, withholding part of the rent, or taking the case to court. Before legal steps, review the relevant laws and consider legal advice.[2][3]
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who usually pays for extermination?
- If the cause of the problem is the technical condition of the property or building, the landlord usually bears the costs. If the cause is the tenant's fault, the tenant bears the costs.
- Can I withhold rent if the landlord does not act?
- Withholding rent is risky and requires legal conditions to be met; it is better to send a formal demand and consult a lawyer before taking such a step.
- Who should I report to if the apartment endangers health?
- In cases of health risk you can report the problem to appropriate authorities and consider notifying sanitary services or seeking legal help.
How-To
- Notify the landlord in writing, describing the problem and proposing an inspection date.
- Make documentation: photos, videos, dates and copies of messages.
- Ask the landlord to arrange professional extermination and present an action plan.
- Set a reasonable deadline for the work and inform what steps you will take if there is no response.
- If there is no response, prepare a petition to the district court (civil division) or use mediation.
Key Takeaways
- Document the problem from the first report.
- Inform the landlord in writing and keep proof of communication.
- If the defect stems from the building, the landlord usually pays for repairs.
