Renting a house to workers from Ukraine

Citizens of Ukraine are increasingly settling in Poland in order to find work here. Given such an intense influx, renting a house to workers from Ukraine appears to be a good way of earning additional income. What should you remember when deciding on this step? We offer some tips.

• Renting out a house – a reasonable price matters most
• Furnishings are a must
• Formal and legal matters
• Are we taking a risk by renting out?

Renting out a house – a reasonable price matters most

If we own a property, we can rent out part of it or even all of it to guests from across the eastern border. We must remember not to artificially inflate the price of this service. People interested in the subject know well how much renting a house to workers from Ukraine costs and will not let themselves be talked into paying too high a rent. It is good to bear this in mind and be fair to potential tenants. At the same time, we should be aware that our eastern neighbours come to Poland to earn money, so they will look for cheap accommodation. They will certainly be interested in lower-standard properties located away from city centres.

Furnishings are a must

When deciding to rent a house, Ukrainians will look for one with the essential furnishings. Practical everyday furniture such as beds and wardrobes, as well as useful electronics and household appliances (a fridge, a gas or electric cooker), are a must. Their absence from a house or flat can easily put potential tenants off. They come to Poland to earn money, so they certainly will not want to bear the extra cost of buying basic equipment.

READ ALSO – EARLY TERMINATION OF A LEASE FOR AN INDEFINITE PERIOD

Formal and legal matters

Renting a house to workers from Ukraine hardly differs from renting to anyone else. First of all, we should ask for the necessary documents confirming the tenants' identity. The residence permit should also be verified. In addition, we should draw up the lease in two language versions. Whoever signs it must understand all the provisions it contains. Some property owners decide to get around this formal requirement. This is possible when the agreement includes a clause in which the tenant confirms that they have understood and accept all the terms of the agreement. This solution, however, has numerous drawbacks and leads to unnecessary misunderstandings, which are best avoided. When translating the document, we should include in it details of the notice period, the refundable deposit and the occupant's liability. Let us add that it is a good idea to conclude the agreement for the period during which the tenant's visa allows them to stay in Poland.

READ ALSO – DEPRECIATION, OR HOW TO REDUCE THE TAX ON RENTING OUT A FLAT

Are we taking a risk by renting out?

Renting out a house always carries the same risk. In every case we must reckon with the possibility that the tenant will disappear without paying and we will never find them again. A scenario in which they take away appliances and wreck the flat is also possible, but the remedy for such problems is an appropriate clause in the agreement. If we specify a suitably high deposit in it, we need not fear problems. We must remember, however, that a resident of Ukraine comes to Poland, for example to Zabrze, Katowice or Sosnowiec, to earn money. They will probably not want to fall foul of the law. If we consider it necessary, we can draw up a notarially certified occasional lease agreement (umowa najmu okazjonalnego). Under its provisions the tenant may be moved to another property by way of eviction.

Renting a house to Ukrainian workers is currently very profitable. Their number keeps growing, and they themselves generally want to enjoy a good reputation. If you have any questions on this subject, it is worth asking at the REMAX Gold estate agency.