Tenant Rent Arrears: What to Do in Poland
If you are a tenant in Poland and received a demand for payment due to rent arrears, this article explains practical steps you can take. I will cover how to read the letter, what deadlines apply, how to collect proof of payments and when to propose a repayment plan to the landlord. I will also explain basic tenant rights in the context of eviction and mediation and when it is worth seeking legal help or contacting the court. The guide uses simple language, gives example actions and tips to prevent escalation of debt, to protect your home and good relations with the landlord.
What to do after receiving a demand for payment
After receiving the demand, check the dates and amounts carefully and compare them with your payment records. If the letter is unclear, ask the landlord for explanations in writing and keep every communication as evidence. In disputed situations remember your basic rights as a tenant [1] and the deadlines for responding or filing objections.
Keep all payment receipts and correspondence organized and safe.
- Check the payment due date and the final deadline to respond to the demand.
- Gather evidence: bills, transfers, receipts and photos of documents.
- Contact the landlord and request a breakdown of charges and a proposal for a repayment plan.
- Consider a partial payment or a proposal of installments to show good faith and avoid escalation.
Negotiating a repayment plan
A repayment plan should be clear: state the installment amount, payment dates and consequences of non-payment. Before signing, ask for a written agreement and whether additional interest will be charged. If you agree orally, confirm terms by email or SMS and keep copies.
- Set a realistic monthly installment and its due date.
- Ask for written confirmation of the repayment terms.
- Document every payment and any request to change terms.
- Agree whether the plan suspends further collection actions.
Do not sign documents you do not fully understand without consultation.
Tenant rights and next steps
If negotiations fail, the case may go to court or to an enforcement officer; then it is important to prepare documents quickly and seek legal advice. Eviction cases follow specific procedures and deadlines, and the court decides based on submitted evidence [2]. If faced with eviction threats check available protections and the possibility of mediation.
Early communication and a documented repayment proposal increase the chances of reaching an agreement.
- If the case goes to court, prepare complete documentation of claims and payments.
- Consider free legal advice or assistance from local organizations.
- Check whether the landlord complies with obligations to maintain the property.
Key takeaways
- Document every payment and correspondence to have evidence in a dispute.
- Negotiate a written repayment plan with clear amounts and deadlines.
- If the case goes to court, seek legal advice promptly.
FAQ
- What should I do if I receive a demand for payment?
- Check deadlines and amounts, compare with payment records, raise objections in writing and try to negotiate a repayment plan with the landlord.
- Can I propose to spread the debt into installments?
- Yes — ideally agree terms in writing specifying installments, dates and consequences for non-compliance.
- What if the landlord has started court proceedings?
- Prepare documents, seek legal advice and consider settlement or mediation before a verdict is issued.
How to
- Read the demand carefully and check response deadlines.
- Collect proof of payments, the lease and correspondence.
- Prepare a repayment proposal with specific installments and dates.
- If no agreement, consult a lawyer and consider mediation or court defence.
Help and resources
- ISAP: Acts and legal texts
- GOV.PL: Information and guides
- MS.GOV.PL: Court procedures and enforcement
