How to rent a flat safely? – a guide for tenants, part 1

Renting a flat involves risk not only for the property owner but also for the tenant. So before we decide to live in a given flat, it is worth checking several important matters. We present them in today's article.

The advert versus reality

Before you go to view a flat, read the advert carefully. Once on site, you will be able to compare the description with reality. If it turns out that there are significant differences between what the advert said and the actual state of affairs, we need to consider whether we can accept them. If so, the discrepancies will be an excellent bargaining chip when negotiating the amount of rent.

Check who owns the flat

Before signing the agreement you have the right to demand to see the title deed to the property and an extract from the land and mortgage register (księga wieczysta). If the person claiming to be the owner refuses, alarm bells should start ringing. The situation is similar if the landlord says the flat belongs to someone in the family. In that case you have the right to see the power of attorney, so that you can be sure that this person has the right to rent the premises to you.

You do not have to confess

It often happens that owners want to know everything about their tenant. But renting a flat is not a confession. You do not have to answer questions about when you come home, whether you drink alcohol or whether you are in a relationship, and so on. If someone insists, think about how far they might go later on to invade your privacy. An overly nosy owner is never a good sign.

Do not rent a flat without an agreement

When renting a flat, always sign an agreement. It is protection for both you and the owner. With this document in place, there will be no problems when you move out, and you have a guarantee that you will not be thrown out of the premises from one day to the next.

Set the payment terms

When signing the agreement, it is worth discussing payments and how they are to be made. The due date, the amount of rent and who is responsible for the bills will be important. If the traditional payment by the 10th of each month does not suit you, this is a good moment to negotiate moving that date. Remember that all arrangements should be included in the agreement.

Who repairs defects

Who is responsible for what is set out in the Act on the Protection of Tenants' Rights (ustawa o ochronie praw lokatorów). However, the owner and the tenant can establish their own rules, which take precedence over the statutory provisions. If, for example, the landlord lives far away and cannot respond to every defect, it can be agreed that we will look after the flat ourselves in return for lower rent. If, however, we make no such arrangements, the aforementioned act says that the tenant's duties include: keeping the premises in proper technical, hygienic and sanitary condition, protecting the common parts of the building from damage or vandalism, repairing and maintaining floors, flooring, floor coverings, tiles, doors, windows, walls, ceilings, plaster, furniture, kitchen appliances, household appliances, bathroom fittings, fuses, sockets, switches, stoves, central heating, as well as keeping pipes clear and repairing the drain pipe.

The flat owner, in turn, is responsible for replacing window and door joinery, replacing floors, flooring, floor coverings, plaster, radiators, and for repairing the plumbing, gas, electrical and heating systems.

These are only some of the things worth remembering when renting a flat. We will discuss the remaining matters in detail in the next article.