Czynsz in Poland: What Is It and How Is It Calculated

Apartment rent is a real opportunity to acquire comfortable accommodation here right now. There is no need to save money, take high interest loans or wait until your dream comes true. The rent is all you need to get the cherished apartment keys.

However, you should be careful when renting an accommodation. Usually, to attract the tenants’ attention, the owners put the rent cost without czynsz in it. Therefore, prices for apartments in the same buildings can vary significantly. So what is czynsz and how is rent for accommodation formed?

What Is Czynsz in Poland?

There are several parts of the rent, directly the cost of maintaining the apartment and czynsz.

Czynsz is a compulsory amount that the tenant pays to the owner for the accommodation using. It covers monthly expenses including:

1. Property management costs;
2. Permanent use of the apartment (a form of land tax);
3. Removal and disposal of garbage;
4. Elevator maintenance (charged per square footage or number of tenants);
5. Electricity costs (lighting, intercom, etc.);
6. Building maintenance (central heating system repair, ventilation, etc.);
7. Counter reading costs;
8. Water supply;
9. Central heating in winter.

Internet, communication and television are not included in this list and paid separately.

Each tenant has full authority to request from the administration the cooperative an accurate calculation of all operating costs points. If the amounts indicated in the calculation are overstated, a claim for refunds may be put forward.

What Determines the Size of the Czynsz?

The final amount of payments directly depends on several factors like:

Utility Rates

In this case, the housing cooperative doesn’t influence the amount of czynsz. If the price of gas or electricity rises, the amount of payments throughout the country also rises.

The Number of People Living in the Apartment

The more tenants registered in a rented apartment or room, the higher the payment will be.

Charter and the Community Authority

For example, some large housing-and-construction cooperative may offer better rates if they have partnerships with service providers or if they have their own technical building maintenance department.

In municipal apartments, landlords can use the system of discounts, so that the amount of payment will be much lower.

Renovation Fund Size

The amount of czynsz in new buildings and old houses can vary significantly. Usually, new apartment tenants pay zł 4-5 less than tenants of older ones. This is explained by the fact that new buildings are more energy efficient: less energy is spent on heating entrances, and, accordingly, the whole amount of payment is reduced. 

However, here there is a nuance that should be considered when looking for accommodation. Landlords in new buildings can offer a wider range of services like security, CCTV cameras, a gym, and a public pool. In this case, the amount of rent will be much higher.

Location of the Apartment

The capital is an absolute leader in terms of the living cost. On average, landlords ask about zł 3,000 for a one-room apartment, zł 4,000 for a two-room apartment, and zł 4,500-5,000 for a three-room apartment. The most expensive are apartments with an area of 70 or more sq.m. Their average cost can increase up from zł 5,000  per month and above.

Comparing with Warsaw, the average price for an apartment will differ in different cities in Poland. For example, a two-room apartment in Krakow will cost only zł 3,000, in Wroclaw zł 2,500, and in Gdansk even zł 2,300. This state of things is natural for the real estate market.

Prices for rental property also vary depending on the residential area.

The districts of Ursynov and Bielany stand out for their developed infrastructure, the presence of a metro and a high level of amenities, the accommodation here will be more expensive. A square meter will cost zł 10 for an apartment in an old building, and zł 14 in a new one.

In the central districts of Śródmieście, Mokotów and Żoliborz, renting an apartment is the most expensive and prices start from zł 15 per sq.m.

The farther from the center of the district, the lower the czynsz in Warsaw. Belolenka, Ursus and Vaver have some of the best offers, but the prices will seem even more attractive to those who want to live in the city suburbs. In Pruszków, Piaseczno, Legionowo, Jablonna, Lomianki or Veliszew, the cost per sq.m. starts from zł 5-6.

Is It Worth Renting an Accommodation in Warsaw?

Do not be afraid of capital apartments’ prices, they entirely justify themselves. For the price required, you get comfortable, safe accommodation in the very heart of beautiful Poland.

However, in order to minimize rental costs, when looking for an apartment, take into consideration the location area, the year of construction, and housing cooperatives. Confirm with the landlord if czynsz is included in the payment.

Knowing these little tricks, you will definitely find what you need at an affordable price for you. Go to the page for renting apartments in Warsaw and choose from our database of Chekashoff Estate properties!