Rent settlement when moving out for tenants in Poland

Rent – increases, CPI indexation, reductions 2 min read · published September 11, 2025

Settling rent when moving out mid-month can raise questions for tenants in Poland. This guide explains when a landlord may request the full payment, how to correctly calculate a proportional share of rent, which documents to collect and how to secure the return of a deposit. We cover deadlines, the parties' obligations and practical advice on returning keys and the handover protocol. The text helps you understand legal basics and practical steps without complicated legal language so that every tenant can end the tenancy smoothly and avoid misunderstandings.

What to check before settlement

Before talking to the landlord, check several things:

  • Collect evidence (evidence): photos of the apartment condition, the protocol and utility bills.
  • Check the deadlines in the contract (deadline) and the date of handover.
  • Calculate the deposit (deposit) and any possible deductions.
  • Set the key return date (move-out) and prepare a handover protocol.
Keep all receipts for rent payments and bills.

How to calculate proportional rent

To calculate the portion of rent for moving out mid-month, count the days of occupancy and divide the monthly rate by the number of days in that month.

Example

If the monthly rent is PLN 1200 and the tenant used the apartment for 15 days in a 30-day month, the proportional payment is 1200 × 15 ÷ 30 = 600 PLN.

Agree the rounding rules in writing with the landlord.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the landlord demand full rent if I move out mid-month?
The landlord should follow the contract terms and principles of fairness; usually a proportional settlement based on days of occupancy is applied. Details are governed by the act and civil law provisions[1]
How to secure the return of a deposit?
Make a handover protocol, keep receipts and ask for a written settlement; in case of dispute you can appeal to the district court[2]
What if the landlord deducts excessive costs?
Request cost explanations in writing, demand documents proving the expenses and consult a lawyer or tenant support organization.

How to do it

  1. Collect documents and evidence (evidence): photos, bills, the tenancy agreement.
  2. Calculate the proportional part of rent (deadline) based on days of occupancy.
  3. Ask the landlord for a written settlement and a handover protocol.
  4. If no agreement is reached, contact legal advice or the district court.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Act on the Protection of Tenant Rights (ISAP)
  2. [2] Civil Code (ISAP)

Categories

Tenant Rights Act – tenant rights Fixed-term vs open-ended tenancy – differences Security deposit – refund, deductions, limits Rent – increases, CPI indexation, reductions Utilities & charges – settlements, waste, meters Repairs & maintenance – tenant/landlord duties Works and right of entry Tenant termination – notice & form Landlord termination, arrears & eviction Check-in/out protocol, keys & handover Heating & hot water – underheating, failures Defects: damp, mould, unfit conditions Nuisance & neighbours – noise, quiet hours Pets in rentals – rules Subletting & short-term lets (Airbnb) Occasional & institutional lease – differences Shared tenancies & room rentals Damage & liability (deductions/insurance) Offences & liability – electricity theft etc. Municipal & social housing – rules Housing & energy allowances Disability & reasonable adjustments (access) Landlord access & viewings Rent clauses & indexation (CPI/GUS) Templates – tenant termination letters GDPR: data protection & tenant documents Mediation & dispute resolution
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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