Tenants in Poland: Cash Payments and Receipts
As a tenant you may sometimes pay rent or a repair in cash and not receive written confirmation. In Poland lack of proof of payment makes pursuing claims harder, but there are concrete steps worth taking: collecting evidence, requesting confirmation in writing, sending formal demands and, if necessary, pursuing your rights in court. This article explains which documents will help you prove payment, how to formally request confirmation from the landlord and how to prepare for a case in the district court. It also includes practical letter templates and tips on when to seek free legal help or mediation.
What to do after a cash payment?
It is useful to know right away which steps will help you document the payment and prepare a claim. In Poland tenants' rights are regulated by various laws and codes that describe the landlord's duties and ways to pursue claims[1][2].
Documents and photos significantly improve the chances in a dispute.
Basic steps
- Gather evidence: photos, notes, witnesses (evidence).
- Keep any payment confirmations or receipts (payment).
- Ask the landlord for written confirmation and keep copies (notice).
- Prepare a chronological record of payments and contacts.
How to collect evidence
For cash payments witnesses and documentation are key. If you paid for a repair, request a receipt or a signed invoice; take photos of the completed work and the area before and after the repair.
Record dates, amounts and the names of people who witnessed the payment.
- Photos of the place and work (evidence).
- Witness details: name, contact, short note of what they saw (contact).
- Receipt or signed invoice (payment).
Sending a formal demand
Before going to court, send a written demand for payment describing the situation and requesting confirmation of payment. Keep proof of dispatch.
The landlord's response and proof of sending the letter can determine the outcome of the case.
- Describe dates and amounts and attach copies of evidence (notice).
- Specify a response deadline, e.g. 14 days (deadline).
- State that if there is no response you will consider legal steps (court).
If you need to go to court
Tenant cases are usually heard by the district court (civil division). Prepare the file: demands, proofs of payment, witness list and any tenancy agreements[3].
Carefully organized evidence will make it easier to present the case to a judge.
FAQ
- Does lack of a receipt mean I have no chance in court?
- Not always; the court will assess all evidence, including witnesses, photos and correspondence.
- How long should I wait for the landlord's response before acting?
- It is usually reasonable to give the landlord 14 days to respond after sending a demand.
- Where should I file a claim to confirm payment?
- File the claim at the district court that has jurisdiction over your place of residence or the location of the property.
How to
- Gather all evidence and notes.
- Send a formal demand to the landlord requesting confirmation.
- If there is no response, prepare a claim and documents for the district court.
- Present evidence and witnesses at the hearing.
