Najem Okazjonalny in Poland: What Tenants Must Sign
Short answer: Najem okazjonalny is a fixed-term flat lease up to 10 years where the tenant signs a notarial eviction consent and names a second address. Deposit max 6x rent.
Many Polish landlords offer a "najem okazjonalny" lease, which translates as an occasional tenancy. It looks like a normal rental, but the tenant signs extra papers that let the owner evict faster if the lease ends and the tenant stays. If you rent a flat in Poland, you may be asked to sign one, so it helps to know what it contains and what it costs you. This guide is based on the tenant protection act (ustawa o ochronie praw lokatorów), Articles 19a to 19d, in the version published by the LexLege legal database as current on 13 October 2026. It is not legal advice.
What counts as an occasional tenancy
Under Article 19a, it is a lease of a residential flat that meets three conditions:
- The owner is a private individual who does not run a business renting out flats.
- The lease is for a fixed term, no longer than 10 years.
- The tenant gives the owner certain documents, listed below.
The lease and any changes to it must be in writing, or they are invalid.
The documents the tenant must provide
Article 19a lists what is attached to the lease:
- A notarial deed in which the tenant submits to enforcement and promises to vacate the flat by the date given in the owner's demand.
- The address of another flat where the tenant could live if the eviction is carried out.
- A statement from the owner of that other flat, or the person entitled to it, agreeing that you and anyone living with you can live there. If the landlord asks, the signature on it must be notarised.
For a foreigner this means you need an address of a person in Poland who agrees to host you. If you lose the right to live at that address, you must name another one within 21 days and provide a new statement. Otherwise, the owner can end the lease with at least 7 days' notice.
What it costs
The notary's fee for the tenant's deed is capped by the act at no more than one tenth of the minimum monthly wage. With the 2026 minimum wage of 4,806 PLN gross (see our minimum wage guide), that comes to a maximum of 480.60 PLN. This is our calculation, so ask the notary for a written quote.
The landlord can ask for a deposit, but not more than six times the monthly rent at the date of signing. It must be returned within a month of the flat being emptied, after deducting what you owe the owner and any costs of enforcement. Compare this with the normal rules in our guide to rental deposits and rent increases.
Besides rent, the owner may charge only fees that do not depend on the owner, unless the contract says otherwise. The owner can raise the rent only on the terms set in the contract.
The landlord's duty to report it
The owner must report the lease to the tax office responsible for the owner's place of residence within 14 days of the start of the tenancy (Article 19b). You can ask for the confirmation. If the owner does not report it, the special eviction rules do not apply.
How an eviction works
The lease ends when the fixed term runs out, or after a notice period. If the tenant does not leave voluntarily, the owner must serve a written demand to vacate, with an officially certified signature. The deadline in the demand must be at least 7 days from delivery (Article 19d). If the tenant still does not leave, the owner asks a court to give the notarial deed an enforcement clause. That requires the demand with proof of delivery, proof of the owner's title to the flat, and the tax office confirmation.
So the special procedure speeds up the owner's path, but it does not remove the formalities.
Questions to ask before you sign
- Is the owner a private person, and has the lease been reported to the tax office?
- Who is the person at the alternative address, and do they accept the responsibility?
- What is the term, and how can each side end the lease?
- What is the deposit and when is it returned?
- Who pays the notary, and how much is it?
Frequently asked questions
Is an occasional tenancy legal in Poland?
Yes. It is regulated in Articles 19a to 19d of the tenant protection act, for flats owned by private individuals.
Do I need an address of another flat?
Yes. The act requires you to name another flat where you could live if you were evicted, with the consent of the person entitled to it.
How much can the deposit be?
Up to six times the monthly rent at the date of signing, returned within a month after you leave.
How long can the lease be?
For a fixed term of up to 10 years.
Who pays the notary?
The act caps the notary's fee for the tenant's statement at one tenth of the minimum wage. It does not say who pays, so agree this with the landlord in advance.
