Renting a home in Poland is gradually becoming more expensive, even as inflation slows. Contractual indexation and an increase in utility tariffs as early as 2026 may significantly affect tenants’ monthly expenses. Find out more about why rents are rising and how to prepare for the new costs
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The rental market in Poland has been unstable for tenants in recent years. Even with moderate inflation rates, apartment owners have legal grounds to revise rents, and utility costs continue to rise. As a result, not only the rent itself, but also the total amount of monthly housing payments is growing. For many foreigners and Ukrainians living in Poland, this means that they need to reconsider their budget for the next year. Let’s find out what factors influence rent increases and what to expect in the near future.
In our previous article, we mentioned that Poland may restrict the employment of Ukrainians.
Why are rents rising in Poland?
Rising rents are not a random or temporary phenomenon. It is formed under the influence of several economic factors that directly affect both homeowners and tenants.
First of all, it is inflation. Although its pace slowed in 2025-2026 compared to the crisis period, the overall price level continues to rise. This means that the costs of property maintenance are increasing, and thus they are trying to partially compensate for this through rents.
The second important factor is the indexation provided for in most long-term lease agreements. If the agreement is signed for more than a year, the landlord often has the right to automatically revise the amount of rent in accordance with the average annual consumer price index. Even a few percent of inflation eventually translates into a significant extra payment each month.
The market is also affected by the overall housing situation in large cities. Rental demand in Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw, and Gdansk remains high, in particular due to migration, study, and work by foreigners. With limited supply, owners have more room to raise prices without the risk of losing tenants quickly.
Earlier, we told you who may not be able to confirm the availability of funds at the border with Poland in 2026.
How does rent indexation work under a lease agreement?
For many tenants, an increase in the cost of housing comes as a surprise, although it is often directly provided for in the terms of the contract. In Poland, a long-term lease is usually accompanied by a clause on indexing the rent in accordance with the inflation rate.
The essence of this mechanism is that the landlord has the right to automatically revise the amount of rent once a year, taking into account the average annual consumer price index published by the Central Statistical Office of Poland. The tenant’s separate consent is not always required if such a condition is already enshrined in the lease.
In practice, this means that even with relatively low inflation, the amount of payment increases. For example, if the rent is equal to PLN 3000, annual indexation within a few percent adds more than a hundred zlotys to the monthly expenses. Most often, such an increase is applied at the beginning of the year or in the month specified in the contract.
It should also be borne in mind that indexation applies only to the rent itself, but does not cover the increase in utility costs. This means that the overall financial burden for the tenant usually increases even more.
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Utilities as the main driver of overall cost growth
Even if rents are indexed moderately, the real financial burden on tenants increases primarily due to rising utility costs. In Poland, the rent usually covers not only the rent, but also the basic costs of housing maintenance.
Most often, the monthly payment includes heating, cold and hot water, sewage, garbage collection, electricity, and in some cases gas and building maintenance.
According to official statistics, in 2025, the total cost of housing, including utilities, grew much faster than the overall inflation rate. Some cost items have risen most significantly:
– Garbage collection – by about 11.6%;
– Electricity – by an average of 13.3%;
– Gas – by about 10.2%;
– Water – by 8.4%;
– Sewerage – by 7.3%;
– Heating – by about 3.1%.
Overall, housing costs with utilities increased by 7.3%, which is higher than the inflation rate.
As a result, even without a significant increase in the rent itself, tenants are forced to pay more per month. For families, students, and foreigners renting in big cities, this can mean additional hundreds of zlotys in expenses per year.
That is why, when planning the budget for 2026, it is important to take into account not only the amount specified in the lease agreement, but also the real dynamics of utility tariffs.
For more information on the end of temporary protection for Ukrainians in Poland and opportunities for legal stay in the country, please follow the link.
What should tenants do now?
The rise in rent and utility tariffs makes renting a home in Poland less predictable from a financial point of view. In order to avoid unpleasant surprises, tenants should carefully review the terms of their agreements, in particular the indexation clauses, and clarify what expenses are included in the monthly payments.
Particular attention should be paid to planning the budget for the next year and the possibility of revising the lease terms in the event of a significant increase in costs. In some cases, it is advisable to discuss a fixed amount of rent with the landlord in advance or look for alternative housing options.
If you have any questions regarding legal stay in Poland, change of status, residence or work permits, you should contact a specialist. Visit Ukraine’s migration lawyers will help you deal with the documents, legal requirements and individual situations of foreigners in Poland to make your stay in the country not only comfortable but also legally safe.
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Frequantly
asked questions
Does the landlord have the right to increase the rent without the tenant’s consent?
Yes, if the lease agreement contains an indexation clause. In this case, the landlord can increase the rent in accordance with the official inflation rate without signing a new agreement.
How often can the rent be indexed?
Usually once a year. The specific month of the increase must be specified in the agreement, most often the beginning of the year or the date of the agreement.
Can I refuse to increase the rent?
If indexation is provided for in the agreement, it is difficult to refuse. However, the tenant may try to negotiate other terms with the owner or terminate the agreement upon its expiration.
Are utilities included in the rent?
It depends on the agreement. In many cases, the rent includes water, heating, garbage, and electricity, but sometimes these costs are paid separately according to the meters.
How can a tenant prepare for rising costs in 2026?
It is worth checking the terms of the lease in advance, estimating the possible amount of indexation, taking into account the increase in utility tariffs, and budgeting for these costs in your annual budget.