czynszu

Czynsz, in the genitive form czynszu, is the regular fee charged by the owner or landlord for the use of a dwelling or other premises under a lease. It is usually paid monthly by the tenant and constitutes the core component of tenancy costs, distinct from variable charges for utilities and building maintenance.

Scope and components: Czynsz najmu refers to the base rent. In residential leases, it is often complemented by opłaty eksploatacyjne (service charges) covering management, maintenance, and sometimes heating and shared repairs. Costs for consumption of utilities (electricity, gas, water) are typically billed separately according to meters or estimates.

Legal framework: In Poland, the base concept of czynsz is defined in the Civil Code as remuneration for the use of a thing under a lease. For dwellings, additional protections and rules may come from the Act on Protection of Tenants' Rights, which can regulate rent increases and tenant protections. Rent levels are established by agreement of the parties and may be influenced by market conditions, property characteristics, and location.

Historical context and practice: In some municipal or social housing, rents may have been regulated (czynsz regulowany) in the past. Today, most rents are set through private contracts, though public housing sectors may still have specific rules or subsidies. A security deposit (kaucja) is commonly required as collateral for a rental agreement.