What is important to tenants? Questions & Answers
Renting an apartment long-term can be a complicated process, especially for people who do it for the first time. To make this process easier for you, we have prepared a list of frequently asked questions by tenants and answers that will dispel any doubts.
- What documents are needed to rent an apartment?
To rent an apartment, the tenant usually must present the following documents:
- Valid ID card or passport.
- References from previous landlords (if available).
- Sometimes credit history, employment contract, source of income are also required (more often required abroad, but there are also such expectations from landlords in Poland).
- How long does the rental process take?
The time needed to rent an apartment may vary depending on several factors, such as the availability of the apartment, the speed of providing documents by the tenant and the manager's internal procedures. On average, the entire process may take from a few days to two weeks.
- Is a deposit required?
Yes, most landlords require a security deposit. The deposit is usually equivalent to one month's rent and is returned to the tenant after the end of the lease, provided that the apartment is returned intact. The landlord may deduct the costs of final cleaning and the costs of repairing damage caused by the tenant from the deposit.
- What does the rent include?
The rent usually covers the rental of the apartment itself, but additional fees, such as utilities (water, electricity, gas), Internet or cable TV, may be charged separately. It's always worth checking carefully what's included in your lease.
- Can I make changes to the rented apartment?
Any change in the rented apartment, especially such as painting the walls, installing shelves or changing the furniture arrangement, should be agreed with the owner. Unauthorized changes may result in the loss of part of the deposit or additional fees for restoring the apartment to its original condition.
- What to do in case of failure or technical problems?
In the event of a breakdown or technical problems, the tenant should immediately contact the apartment manager. A good management company provides quick response and professional technical support when needed.
- Can I have pets in the rented apartment?
The possibility of having pets in a rented apartment depends on the owner's policy. Some apartments are pet-friendly but may require additional deposits or fees. It is always worth asking the property manager about this in advance.
- What are the rules regarding terminating a lease?
The conditions for terminating a lease are usually specified in the contract. At least one month's written notice is normally required, but this period may vary depending on the contract. It is important to always read the terms of the contract before signing it.
- Can I sublet the apartment?
Subletting the apartment is usually prohibited without the owner's consent. If a tenant plans to sublet the apartment, he or she must obtain written consent from the property manager, otherwise it may be a violation of the lease agreement.
- What are my obligations as a tenant?
The tenant's main obligations include paying the rent on time, ensuring the technical condition of the apartment and complying with the building regulations. The tenant should also inform the manager about any defects and failures and not disturb the neighbors.
We hope that this article has dispelled many of your doubts related to renting an apartment. If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We'll be happy to help!