Renting apartment and renovation after moving out. What is worth knowing?

The end of the lease is often associated with a dispute over the condition of the apartment. The owners accuse tenants of destruction, in turn they feel wrongly burdened with costs. Meanwhile, it is worth paying attention to the statutory provisions that regulate these issues.

– Art. 675 parish 1 of the Civil Code. However, we must remember that art. 6e of the Act on the protection of tenants (by default, replacing Article 675 of the Civil Code). Act on the protection of tenants’ rights in art. 6e orders the Lessee after the end of the lease and emptying the premises: he renewed this apartment and made the burdening repairs and returned the equivalent of some used technical equipment to the landlord – explains Andrzej Prajsnar, expert of the Gethome.pl portal.

He emphasizes that in residential premises outside the public housing resource (i.e. not found by local governments and the State Treasury), there may be other rules than the above mentioned, if the owner of “M” agrees with the tenant.

Renovation after lease without a dispute – how to avoid conflict?

According to the previously cited regulations, the Lessee is required to return the premises in an uncomfortable state. This means the need to renew the apartment and make repairs that result from normal use. The problem is that the “incorrect state” can be interpreted differently – and here the disputes begin. That is why it is worth specifying in the contract in what condition the apartment is to return to the owner.

– It is about accurately determining through the technical condition in which the private apartment is to be returned. It is possible to regulate even the type and color of the paint that should be used to paint the walls. This level of detail can be bothersome and perceived as exaggerated, but on the other hand he can save unnecessary disputes – notes Andrzej Prajsnar.

These types of entries may seem excessive, but in practice they protect both sides. If the contract clearly indicates what to do before moving out, the risk of conflict is significantly decreasing. The owner knows what to expect, and the tenant avoids misunderstandings when settling the deposit.

Renovation after rent – the protocol is crucial

In addition to the contract, two protocols are of great importance – those written when transferring the apartment and when returning it. They should contain a detailed description of the condition of the premises, and preferably also photo documentation. This is a way to document any faults at the start of the rental.

Although taking pictures may seem exaggerated, it is a security for both sides. Thanks to this, the tenant is not responsible for earlier damage, and the owner has grounds for any claims. Reliable protocols are the simplest and cheapest form of securing the interests of both sides.