How to Find the Perfect Apartment in Poland: A Guide for Expats and Locals
Looking for the perfect apartment in Poland can feel like a challenge, especially if you’re new to the country or just unsure where to start. But trust me, once you know where to look and what to expect, it’s not as tough as it seems.
Having been through this process myself after living in Poland for three years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make apartment hunting a lot easier.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find the perfect apartment in Poland.
Read Also: Rental Costs in Warsaw (By District)
Rental Apartments in Poland
Before you start your search, it’s important to think about what you want in your new home. Do you want to live closer to your workplace, or would you prefer to be near the city center? Are you okay with a longer commute if it means more space or lower rent?
1. Start by Setting Your Priorities
When I first arrived in Poland, I stayed in temporary housing for a few weeks while I figured out which neighborhood best suited my lifestyle. This gave me time to get a feel for different parts of the city and decide what was most important to me—proximity to work, good transport links, or a quieter, residential vibe..
Pro Tip:
If you’re new to Poland or a specific city, consider staying in an Airbnb or a hostel for the first few weeks. This gives you the flexibility to explore different areas before committing to a long-term rental.
2. Know Where to Search
Knowing where to search for apartments in Poland is half the battle. While word of mouth can sometimes land you a great deal, most people find apartments online.
Poland has several popular real estate websites, many of which are expat-friendly and even offer listings in English.
During my own apartment hunt, I found that some sites were better than others, especially if you’re an expat who doesn’t speak much Polish.
Here are some of the best websites to find apartments:
- Otodom.pl: This is one of the most popular property sites in Poland. You’ll find a wide range of listings, from budget-friendly apartments to upscale rentals.
- Morizon.pl: Another excellent site with a broad range of listings. It’s user-friendly and has plenty of filters to help you narrow down your search.
- Pepe Housing: If you’re an expat, student, or just looking for flexible lease options, this site is worth checking out. It’s designed with international renters in mind, and many of the listings have leases for less than 12 months.
- Nieruchomosci-online.pl: This platform offers a wide range of listings and is often used by locals looking for properties in various cities.
- Facebook Groups: Don’t underestimate the power of local expat Facebook groups. I’ve seen a lot of great listings posted there, especially when someone is moving out and needs to find a tenant quickly.
And, of course, there are always real estate agencies if you want extra help. Some agencies, like Flatcare and Little Home Rental, cater specifically to expats and have English-speaking agents who can walk you through the whole process.
Pro Tip:
If you’re worried about negotiating in Polish or handling paperwork, consider using a real estate agency. They often have English-speaking agents who can help you with contracts and communicate with landlords.
3. Watch Out for Scams
Unfortunately, scams are a real concern when you’re searching for apartments online, especially if you’re new to the country. If you see a listing with an unbelievably low rent in a prime location, be cautious – it could be a scam.
- Always Visit the Apartment in Person: Never agree to sign a contract or pay a deposit until you’ve seen the apartment yourself. Some scammers use fake photos to lure you in, then ask for money upfront.
- Avoid Upfront Payments: A common scam is when someone asks you to transfer money to “hold” the apartment before you’ve even seen it. Legitimate landlords will ask for a deposit, but this should only happen after you’ve viewed the apartment and signed a contract.
If a listing looks suspicious or too good to be true, do a reverse image search of the apartment photos. This can help you spot fake listings where scammers have stolen pictures from other sites.
4. Understand the Rental Contract
Once you find an apartment you like, it’s time to dig into the paperwork. Most rental contracts in Poland are pretty standard, but it’s important to read everything carefully—especially if it’s in Polish and you don’t speak the language. The usual lease term is 12 months, and you’ll typically need to pay a deposit equal to one month’s rent.
- Get the Contract in Writing: Make sure the lease is written, signed, and includes all the key details – rent, deposit, lease term, and any additional fees. Verbal agreements are not legally binding in Poland
- Check for Hidden Costs: Before you sign, ask about additional costs like utilities, building maintenance, and garbage disposal. Some rentals include these costs in the rent, but others don’t, so it’s important to clarify upfront.
- Know Your Rights: In Poland, tenants have strong legal protections. Landlords can’t just kick you out without cause, and rent increases are usually limited to once a year.
If the contract is in Polish and you’re not fluent, it’s a good idea to have it translated or hire a lawyer to review it before signing. It’s better to spend a little time upfront making sure you understand the agreement than dealing with surprises later.
5. Gather the Right Documents
When you’re ready to rent, make sure you have the necessary documents on hand. Some landlords might ask for more paperwork than others, but here’s what you’ll typically need:
- PESEL Number: If you plan on living in Poland for a while, you’ll need a PESEL number. Don’t worry, though – when you register your new residence at your local municipality office, you’ll automatically receive one.
- Proof of Employment: Some landlords may ask for this to ensure you can pay rent. If you’re a student or freelancer, having some form of income proof can be helpful during negotiations.
Always ask the landlord or real estate agent what documents you’ll need ahead of time. This will help streamline the rental process and prevent any delays.
6. Final Walkthrough and Move-In
Before moving in, you’ll want to do a final walkthrough with the landlord or the real estate agent to make sure everything is in good condition. This is also the time to take note of any existing damage so you’re not held responsible when you move out.
During this inspection, check things like the plumbing, appliances, and heating system. If anything looks out of place, ask for it to be fixed before you move in or have it documented in your rental agreement.
- Take Photos: Document any issues with the apartment on the day you move in, so you have proof in case the landlord tries to hold you responsible for pre-existing damage.
- Get the Keys and Codes: Once everything is settled, you’ll get your keys, and sometimes access codes for the building if it’s a newer development.
Pro Tip:
Make sure to record the readings on the water, gas, and electricity meters when you move in. This will help ensure you’re only charged for the utilities you use.
Final Thoughts
Finding the perfect apartment in Poland doesn’t have to be stressful. Poland is full of great options for renters.
Once you find the right apartment, take the time to understand your rental contract and gather the right documents to avoid any hiccups.
