How to rent a flat safely? – a guide for tenants, part 2

In the previous article we covered several important matters to bear in mind in order to rent a flat safely. Today we continue the topic, presenting additional information which, if followed, will help you rent a property on the most favourable terms possible.

Withdrawal period

It is good practice to set a period for withdrawing from the signed agreement in case, after a few days or weeks, the flat turns out to have defects that are hard to accept, such as mould, pests or damage to basic appliances.

Bill history

It is worth asking the owner to show you bills from previous months, especially for the winter period. This will give us a preliminary idea of the amounts we can expect for heating, electricity or gas. It is also important information on whether the previous tenant has settled their payments. That way we can be sure we will not be burdened with costs that are not ours.

Handover protocol

Drawing up this document benefits both the property owner and the tenant. It guarantees that the landlord will not, in the end, charge us for costs we were not responsible for. It is therefore worth describing the condition of each room in detail, and even taking photos, on the basis of which the settlement will be made when handing the flat back.

Neighbourhood check

Before moving into the flat, it is worth asking the neighbours about the conditions in the block or tenement house. Useful information may be how long the previous tenants lived in the flat and why they moved out. It is also worth taking a walk around the area to assess the shops, service outlets and transport links.

Notice period

Be sure to pay attention to this when signing the agreement. After all, we do not want to be told we have to move out from one day to the next. The notice period should be one month. This is a convenient length of time for both parties. It is also worth knowing that the landlord can terminate the tenant's lease only for specified reasons, for example when the tenant uses the premises contrary to their intended purpose, when they disturb the neighbours, when they have not paid rent and other charges for at least 2 months and have not settled these amounts despite a written demand for payment, or when the tenant, without the owner's written consent, has sublet or leased the premises, or handed them over for free use, to third parties.

Remember to read the agreement carefully

This point may be surprising, but there really are people who do not do this and sign agreements blindly. This can have dire consequences. The best solution is to go through the agreement with the owner point by point, so that everything is completely clear to both parties. A landlord who agrees to this also shows good faith and that they have no intention of deceiving us.

The possibility of making changes

If you would like to make some changes in the flat, talk to the owner about it in advance. Some will gladly agree to such changes, especially when the property is not in the best condition. But others may refuse categorically and even demand financial compensation for changes made without their consent.

Rules of use

Before moving in, it is a good idea to agree on matters such as having guests, third parties staying overnight, keeping pets or visits by the owner. It is worth putting such arrangements in writing in the agreement. An important fact is that the landlord has no right to make unannounced visits, still less to enter the flat in your absence. Behaviour of this kind amounts to trespass and a breach of the inviolability of the home (mir domowy), and is punishable.

And finally, remember that until you sign the agreement you do not have to pay anything. So do not agree to any advance payments (zaliczka), deposits (zadatek) or similar fees that are not in the agreement. Any security deposits or the first month's rent should likewise be paid when the agreement is signed, not earlier.