Renting an apartment in a foreign country can be an exciting experience, but it’s essential to be well-informed and prepared to ensure a smooth tenancy. Drawing from our 20 years of experience in assisting international tenants, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide with tips for stress-free tenancy to help you overcome potential challenges.
Tips for maintaining a good relationship with your landlord
Maintaining a good relationship with your landlord is vital for a stress-free tenancy. Here are some tips to help you avoid problems and foster a positive rapport:
Communication
Maintain open and transparent communication with your landlord. Inform them promptly about any issues or repairs needed in the apartment.
Respect the Property
Throughout your tenancy, it’s important to keep the premises, furniture, and equipment clean and tidy in line with sanitary norms. Here are some practical recommendations to make your life easier:
• Opt for wet cleaning of the premises to maintain cleanliness.
• Use only the detergents recommended by your landlord or specified in the operating instructions.
• Attach felt patches to chair legs and furniture to prevent scratches.
• Avoid flushing hygienic items, children’s diapers, or cotton products down the toilet to prevent pipe blockage (repairs may be at your expense).
• Use heat-proof mats in the kitchen to protect surfaces from heat damage caused by hot pots and pans.
• Respect any no-smoking clauses in the rental agreement.
Understanding damages during the tenancy
To maintain a positive relationship with your landlord, it’s crucial to be aware of what constitutes damages during your tenancy. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Walls and ceilings
Maintain open and transparent communication with your landlord. Inform them promptly about any issues or repairs needed in the apartment.
Parquet floors
Take care to prevent scratches, chips, or other mechanical damages to the flooring.
Tile surfaces
Be mindful of preventing chips, breakages, or holes in the tiles.
Carpet floors
Avoid causing non-removable stains or damages, especially if you have pets.
Cabinet works and furniture
Handle furniture with care to prevent breakages or scratches.
Sanitary and electric equipment
Use proper caution to avoid scratches, dents, chips, broken or missing parts, and damages resulting from misuse.
Home appliances
Treat appliances gently, avoiding scratches, dents, or damage to their body surfaces or any missing parts.
Follow House Rules
Adhere to the rules and regulations set by the apartment building management, such as noise restrictions and proper waste disposal. For example:
• Respect the house rules within the apartment building, ensuring quiet hours between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. and on weekends.
• Avoid leaving trash bags on the stairs and refrain from blocking stairwells, walkways, and emergency exits with personal belongings or furniture.
Seek Approval for Changes
• Renovations and modifications: If you wish to make any changes or modifications to the apartment, always seek written approval from your landlord beforehand.
• Pets: Please, note that if you would like your pet living with you in the apartment you need to discuss this with the landlord and include the details in the lease agreement. Do not get a pet without prior approval from the landlord.
• Guest: Inform your landlord about any long-stay guests you may have.
Timely Rent Payment
Pay your rent on time and as agreed upon in the contract. Timely payments help build trust and a positive relationship with your landlord.
Beyond the Contract Agreement
While the contract agreement outlines the terms and conditions of your tenancy, there are additional aspects to consider:
Utilities
Ensure that you understand your responsibilities regarding utility payments, such as electricity, water, heating, and internet services.
Insurance
Consider obtaining household and liability insurance to protect your personal belongings and cover any unforeseen damages or accidents. Note that leaving personal belongings in common areas is at your own risk.
Cultural Awareness
Familiarize yourself with local customs and practices to ensure respectful interactions with your neighbors and community.
Immigration Formalities
As a foreigner, comply with the necessary immigration requirements, including reporting your change of address to the Foreign Police and applying for a new residency card within the required timeframe. Check our blog posts about Obtaining Residency Permits in Poland and Obtaining Residency Permits in Slovakia.
Lease extensions and renewals in Poland and Slovakia
So you like the apartment and wish to stay longer? At ProRelo, we offer valuable assistance to foreign tenants when it comes to prolonging and renegotiating their lease agreements. We understand that circumstances may change during your tenancy, and you may need to extend or modify your existing lease agreement. Our dedicated team is here to help you navigate this process smoothly and ensure that your interests are protected. Check our Home Search services.
So you plan to stay in the town but wish to explore other options and neighborhoods?
In cases where your current lease is expiring and you wish to continue renting but may want to explore other options, our relocation team can help you assess your needs, find suitable alternatives if necessary, and negotiate favorable terms with your landlord.
Let us assist you. By relying on ProRelo’s expertise, you can save time, avoid potential pitfalls, and have confidence in the negotiations surrounding your lease agreement. We strive to ensure that your tenancy in Poland or Slovakia is as seamless and stress-free as possible, empowering you to focus on enjoying your home and the experience of living abroad.
