Tenant Lease Termination in Poland — Rights
If you are a tenant in Poland and are considering terminating a lease, this guide explains practical steps: how to prepare the termination notice, what deadlines and formal requirements apply, and how to pursue claims after the tenancy ends. I explain in simple language which documents to collect, how to document landlord defaults, what to do in a security deposit dispute and when it is worth filing a claim in court. You will also find information on amicable resolution options and cases when court intervention is necessary. I provide sample letters, notice deadlines and advice on when to seek legal help or tenant organization support.
What does terminating a lease mean?
Termination is a unilateral statement by the tenant or landlord to end the agreement. For tenants, the form and deadlines may follow the contract and legal provisions, including the Act on the Protection of Tenants' Rights[1] and the Civil Code[2]. The notice must clearly state the end date and be delivered to the other party in the required form.
Ending the contract requires following deadlines and formal requirements.
How to prepare a termination — form and deadlines
- Written termination (notice) with the date and a legible signature.
- Deliver to the landlord (deliver) — keep proof of receipt or postage evidence.
- Observe notice periods (deadlines) — check your lease and applicable law.
- Attach evidence (evidence): photos, handover protocols and payment confirmations.
Take photos of the apartment condition before you move out.
Evidence and documents
Gather all contracts, rent and utility bills, payment confirmations and correspondence with the landlord. Proper documentation makes claiming remedies easier and can shorten court proceedings.
- Photos and technical condition reports (evidence).
- Proofs of rent and deposit payments (rent, deposit).
- Email and SMS correspondence as a record of contacts (notice).
Court process — when to file a claim
If negotiations and payment demands fail, you can file a claim at the District Court (Civil Division). Prepare the claim, attach evidence and a calculation of amounts; in cases about deposit return or unpaid rent the court decides according to civil law[2] and details of the tenants protection act[1].
Respond to the claim within the deadline to preserve your defence rights.
FAQ
- How long is the notice period for a lease?
- Notice length depends on the lease terms and type of tenancy; standard periods are in the contract or law.
- Can I recover the deposit without going to court?
- Yes — first try negotiation and a formal demand; if that fails, file a claim.
- Where do I file a claim for unpaid rent?
- File the claim at the District Court that has jurisdiction for the property's location.
How to
- Collect the lease and payment evidence.
- Send a formal demand for payment to the landlord (notice) with a deadline.
- Document the apartment condition with photos and a protocol.
- If there is no reaction, prepare and file a claim at the district court (court) attaching evidence.
- Obtain the judgment and, if necessary, start enforcement proceedings.
Key takeaways
- Always check notice periods and keep proof of delivery.
- Document the property condition and payments to effectively pursue claims.
