My landlord won't return my deposit — who do I go to?

Direct answer

First a written demand to the landlord with a deadline (14 days is normal) and your bank details — most deposits come back at this stage. If nothing happens, E-sąd — elektroniczne postępowanie upominawcze (e-sad.gov.pl) is the body that deals with rent and deposit disputes in Poland. For advice on what you can claim and what the landlord may deduct, Nieodpłatna pomoc prawna (punkt w powiecie) (np.ms.gov.pl). The last step is a small-claims or rent court, where you can usually go without a lawyer.

In Poland the deposit cannot exceed twelve months' rent and must be returned within a month of vacating, minus the landlord's due amounts.

Call firstE-sąd — elektroniczne postępowanie upominawcze

Report toNieodpłatna pomoc prawna (punkt w powiecie)

If that failsSąd rejonowy — postępowanie uproszczone

🗣️ What to say

"My tenancy at [address] ended on [date]. The deposit of €… has not been returned and I have received no itemised deductions. I request the full amount within 14 days to [IBAN]. Otherwise I will take it to E-sąd — elektroniczne postępowanie upominawcze."

🪜 Step by step

Write, don't callA dated letter or e-mail with the amount, the end date, your bank details and a 14-day deadline. Keep proof of sending.
Collect evidenceThe signed contract, the move-in and move-out inspection reports, photos with dates, and the proof you paid the deposit.
Ask Nieodpłatna pomoc prawna (punkt w powiecie) what appliesWhich deductions are allowed (unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear) and what is not (repainting, normal wear, cleaning that was not agreed).
File with E-sąd — elektroniczne postępowanie upominawczeThe rent dispute body or deposit scheme handles this without a lawyer and usually within weeks.
Court as last resortSmall-claims procedures exist for exactly this amount range; the landlord usually pays the costs if you win.

📇 All contacts

E-sąd — elektroniczne postępowanie upominawczeOnline payment order, no lawyer, low feeWhen the formal notice did not work🔗 www.e-sad.gov.pl

Nieodpłatna pomoc prawna (punkt w powiecie)Free advice from a lawyerBefore you write, on deductions and deadlines🔗 np.ms.gov.pl

Sąd rejonowy — postępowanie uproszczonePayment claim up to PLN 20,000 on a formIf the landlord objects to the payment order🔗 www.gov.pl/web/sprawiedliwosc

❓ Frequently asked

How long may the landlord take?

It varies by country, but "a reasonable time" after a final inspection is usually a few weeks; Nieodpłatna pomoc prawna (punkt w powiecie) knows the exact rule for Poland.

Can the landlord keep it for repainting?

Not for normal wear and tear. Damage beyond normal use, unpaid rent or bills, and cleaning you agreed to do can be deducted — itemised, with receipts.

I have no written contract

You still have a tenancy and still get the deposit back. Bank transfers, messages and witnesses prove the agreement.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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🔑 My landlord won't return my deposit — who do I go to?