Finding an apartment in Warsaw as a foreigner is doable — but it comes with challenges. Landlords can be hesitant about foreign tenants, prices have risen sharply, and scams exist. This guide helps you navigate it confidently.
Best Portals for Finding Apartments
- otodom.pl — Poland's largest real estate portal
- olx.pl/nieruchomosci — classifieds, good for direct landlord deals
- gratka.pl — secondary market listings
- Facebook groups — "Mieszkania Warszawa", "Expats in Warsaw"
- SpotaHome — for pre-vetted international-friendly rentals
Typical Rental Costs in Warsaw (2026)
- Room in shared apartment: 1,000 - 1,800 PLN/month (all-inclusive)
- 1-room studio apartment: 2,200 - 3,500 PLN/month
- 2-room apartment: 3,200 - 5,000 PLN/month
- Deposit: usually 1-2 months rent upfront
- Agent fee: 0-1 month rent (some agents charge, direct landlords do not)
Documents Landlords Usually Ask For
- Karta Pobytu or valid visa/stamp
- Employment contract or proof of income
- PESEL (increasingly required)
- Reference from previous landlord (if available)
Common Scams to Avoid
- Price too good to be true — always is
- Landlord asks for deposit before showing the apartment
- No official lease (umowa najmu) — never pay without a contract
- Photos are fake or from another city
- Landlord pressure to sign immediately without reading
Tenant Rights in Poland
- Landlord cannot enter without notice (24 hours minimum)
- You have right to meldunke — landlord cannot legally refuse
- Deposit must be returned within 30 days of moving out
- Rent increases require 3 months written notice
Tip: Always sign a written lease (umowa najmu). A verbal agreement has no legal protection. Get the landlord's ID number (PESEL or NIP) on the contract.
Once you have your apartment, the next step is your legal documents. For residency and work permits, contact Legal Solution — 6 years, 3,000+ cases, 98% approval rate.