End of inheritance of municipal apartments? The government is preparing a revolution in the law

Changes in housing law are rapidly coming. The government wants to eliminate the automatic inheritance of municipal apartments and introduce a system in which after the death of the tenant the premises no longer pass by law to his family. Instead, loved ones will have to apply to the municipality for a new contract and show that they meet income criteria.

What exactly will change?

Currently, the rules are clear: in accordance with art. 691 of the Civil Code in place of the deceased tenant, the relatives – a spouse, children or people in common, provided that they lived with him at the time of his death. The reform provides for a departure from this rule in the case of municipal premises.

After the new regulations come into force:

• lease will expire automatically After the tenant’s death,

• The family will be able to submit Application for the conclusion of a new contract,

• The commune will carry out income verificationTo check if tenants really qualify for a municipal apartment.

Why does the government want change?

The reason is simple: in many municipalities, communal apartments are occupied by people who do not meet the criteria for housing assistance – they have other properties or achieve high income. As a result, the premises “block” for years, while hundreds of families are waiting on the waiting list.

The new regulations are to restore apartments to the pool and allow municipalities to distribute them to those who actually do not have an alternative on the market.

Not only inheritance – also rents and income control

The reform also includes other changes:

• income verification every 5 years – the municipality will check if the tenants are still meeting the criteria,
• Protection against jumping rental increases – currently in some cities increases reach several thousand zlotys,
• Exceptions for pensioners – These people are to be released from cyclical controls.

New financing and perspectives

The government also announces an increase in expenditure on municipal construction – even to PLN 45 billion until 2030. Thanks to this, municipalities are to gain additional apartments, and the system is to become more fair and transparent.

What does this mean for tenants?

• no automatic inheritance of apartments,

• the need to submit an application for a new contract after the tenant’s death,

• income control as a condition for maintaining the premises,

• more stable rental principles.

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The reform means the end of the privilege of automatic takeover of municipal apartments for subsequent generations. The premises are to go to people who really need them. For current tenants, it will be key to tracking new regulations and preparing for additional formalities in contacts with the commune.

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