The tenants of cooperative housing in Poland may shortly face the request to pay much higher rents. As housing cooperatives are alarmed, it is the work of the upcoming increases Government reform, which will importantly affect the maintenance costs of buildings. Is there a way to avoid rising fees?
Reform and increases – what will change?
The fresh waste management rules, the increase in electricity prices and changes in construction law are only any of the factors affecting the maintenance costs of real estate. Especially problematic for cooperatives are the rising fees for the collection of garbage. In any municipalities rates increased by 50% in the last 2 years, and in 2025 further changes in price lists are foreseen.
In addition, heating costs They're increasing at an alarming rate. Data show that gas prices have increased by around 20% compared to last year, and electricity in Poland is 1 of the most costly in Europe, which affects higher billing for lighting and powering parts of common buildings.
New requirements for cooperative buildings
One key component of the government improvement is the tightened energy efficiency requirements for buildings. In practice, this means that cooperatives will be forced to carry out costly thermomodernisation. In many cases it will be essential to:
- Replace old windows and doors with energy-saving.
- Modernization of heating and ventilation systems.
- Intensification of building facades.
It is estimated that the average cost of comprehensive thermomodernisation of 1 housing block is from PLN 500 1000 to PLN 1.5 million, depending on its size. These costs will be partially passed on to residents in the form of higher rents.
Cooperatives beat the alarm
The representatives of housing cooperatives stress that the fresh government has a crucial impact on both their and their tenants' budgets. As Marek Jasinski, president of 1 of the Warsaw cooperatives, says: "The introduction of these reforms in the short word is unrealistic without crucial rent increases. We request to find a way to balance costs, but we cannot avoid investment in energy efficiency of buildings."
According to the National Cooperative Council data, the average rent in Poland is presently PLN 8-10 per m2, which means that tenants of 50 m2 housing pay about 400-500 PLN per month. After the introduction of fresh regulations, rents can increase even by 20-30%Which will be a immense burden for many families.
Rent and waste management
Many cooperatives item the problem with the fresh waste segregation rules. Introduction of penalties for deficiency of appropriate segregation, which may even be PLN 400 per month For 1 place, it creates controversy. The problem is besides the deficiency of adequate garbage containers in many settlements, making it hard for residents to meet requirements.
As Anna Kowalczyk, a associate of the board of 1 of the Kraków cooperatives, says: "Segregation of waste has become a logistical challenge. alternatively of educating the residents, they are being punished, which only exacerbate frustration.”
Is there a way to avoid increases?
Cooperatives are looking for ways to minimise cost increases. 1 solution is to usage government programs specified as Clean Airwhich offer backing for the thermomodernisation of buildings. The programme can be obtained even 135 1000 PLN for 1 building, but the availability of funds is limited, and the application process can take time.
Another solution is investments in renewable energy sources, specified as photovoltaic panels. Although installation of photovoltaic strategy for 1 building could cost even 200-300 1000 PLN, long-term savings in electricity bills can even 50-70% per year.
The tenants fight for their rights
More and more residents decide to associate with housing organisations to monitor cooperative activities and jointly negociate conditions. The tenants besides call on the authorities to introduce taxation incentives for those most affected by the increase in housing costs.
What to do to avoid unpleasant surprises?
- Monitor your cooperative activities and attend local meetings.
- Find out what investments are planned in your building and how they will affect your rent.
- Work with your neighbors to negociate terms with the cooperative board.
- Use available support programs specified as Clean Air.
Read more:
Drastic rent increases? Cooperatives inform tenants
