How to find accommodation in Poland? A complete guide for foreigners

Are you planning to move to Poland? Congratulations! Poland is a wonderful country that attracts not only students and workers, but also people looking for new opportunities in life. However, one of the first challenges you will face after arriving is finding suitable accommodation. In this guide, you will find practical advice on how to look for accommodation in Poland, what to pay attention to and where to start your search.

Why is it important to be well prepared when looking for a flat?

The Polish rental market differs from housing markets in other countries. It often poses difficulties for people who:

• do not know Polish,
• do not yet have a PESEL number,
• are just beginning to legalise their stay,
• do not know how to verify the authenticity of offers.

Therefore, the better you prepare for your search, the more likely you are to avoid unpleasant situations and sign a favourable contract.

Where to look for flats to rent in Poland? The best websites

There are many popular classifieds websites in Poland where new apartment listings appear every day. Here is a list of the most frequently recommended services:

Otodom.pl

• the largest and most well-known real estate portal in Poland,
• a wide selection of flats in large cities and small towns,
• filters that facilitate searching by price, location, area and type of listing.

OLX.pl (section Nieruchomości)

• a large number of private offers — often without intermediary commissions,
• the possibility of direct contact with the owner of the flat,
• be wary of suspiciously low prices — sometimes fake offers appear here.

Gratka.pl

• a service with a long history on the Polish market,
• offers from both private individuals and real estate agencies,
• extensive filtering options.

Morizon.pl

• популярный агрегатор предложений с различных порталов,
• точные карты и понятный интерфейс поиска.

Facebook Marketplace and local groups

• Key words for searching:
• Mieszkania na wynajem Warszawa / Kraków / Wrocław,
• Flats for rent in Poland (international groups),
• quick contact with owners,
• possibility of price negotiations.

Rentola.pl, Nieruchomosci-online.pl, Extradom.pl

• additional platforms that facilitate the search for housing in small towns and regions.

Beware of scammers! How to rent accommodation safely?

Unfortunately, in Poland, as in many other countries, there are scammers who take advantage of foreigners' lack of knowledge. Here are a few safety rules:

• Never pay a deposit unless you have seen the flat in person.
• Verify the owner's identity and their right to rent the property.
• Only sign a written rental agreement in Polish (or with a translation).
• Draw up a handover report when you receive the flat (preferably with photographs).
• Ask about the exact terms of termination of the agreement and possible penalties.

Lease agreement – what to look out for?

In Poland, it is most common to sign a fixed-term lease agreement. Key provisions to pay attention to:

• rent amount and payment terms,
• security deposit amount (usually 1–3 months' rent),
• additional expenses (electricity, gas, water, Internet, rubbish collection),
• the term of the contract,
• the rules for early termination of the contract,
• the rights and obligations of the tenant and the owner.

Renting through an agency – is it worth it?

When renting a flat in Poland, you can use the services of a real estate agency. The advantages of using an agency are:

• assistance with paperwork,
• contract review,
• market knowledge.

The downside is usually an additional service charge, often equivalent to one month's rent.

Types of accommodation available in Poland

Not everyone immediately decides to take out a long-term lease. Other options can also be considered:

• Hotels and hostels are a good option for the first few days after arrival.
• Short-term rental (Airbnb, Booking.com) – while searching for permanent accommodation.
• Halls of residence and student accommodation – for students, including international students.
• Coliving – shared accommodation for young professionals and expats.

Problems most commonly encountered by foreigners

Many foreigners encounter the following problems when looking for accommodation in Poland:

• Bad knowledge of Polish language.
• Difficulties with obtaining registration.
• Requirement to present an employment contract or proof of income.
• Lack of credit history or previous rental agreements in Poland.

Therefore, it is worth preparing all the necessary documents and seeking the help of consultants.

The most popular search queries related to renting accommodation in Poland:

• wynajem mieszkania w Polsce dla obcokrajowców,
• jak wynająć mieszkanie w Polsce,
• mieszkanie dla cudzoziemców w Warszawie,
• wynajem bez pośredników Polska,
• najlepsze portale do wynajmu mieszkań Polska,
• mieszkania na wynajem Polska.

Summary

Finding accommodation in Poland does not have to be difficult, provided you are well prepared and cautious. Remember: read contracts carefully, do not make advance payments without inspecting the property, verify the owner's identity, and use trusted services.

Polish Linguistic Institute not only helps students learn Polish, but also supports them in the practical aspects of living in Poland.