Since January 2026 Polish settlements have been waiting for a real revolution. The fresh rules will require elevators to be installed in all residential buildings with at least 3 floors. It is simply a change that aims to increase accessibility for seniors, people with disabilities and families with tiny children. However, behind the advanced goal lies a powerful financial challenge which will hit millions of Poles' portfolios directly. For many communities and housing cooperatives, compliance with the requirements will mean tremendous costs which will yet be passed on to residents – regardless of which level they live on. It is now worth checking whether your block is on the list and preparing for expenses of up to respective 1000 PLN.
That's a large punch in the wallets. How much do we pay for a mandatory elevator?
The costs associated with the construction of elevators in the existing building are astronomical and can be a real shock to the budgets of housing communities. It is estimated that the installation of 1 passenger crane is an expense of 150 1000 to 500 1000 PLN. The final price depends on many factors, specified as building height, number of stops, and above all method conditions. Older blocks from a large plate frequently deficiency space for the elevator shaft inside the staircase, forcing the construction of an costly exterior structure attached to the facade.
Such an operation is not only the assembly of the elevator itself, but besides a number of construction works. It may be essential to strengthen the foundations, rebuild the entrance to the building, and even interfere with the supporting structure. This all generates additional costs which make the advanced limit of PLN 500 1000 as real as possible. On the basis of a single flat, residents can anticipate a one-off payment of respective to respective 1000 PLN. This is an amount that, for many households, especially pensioners and people with lower incomes, will be an insurmountable barrier.
Where do I get the money for this? Communities and cooperatives before the dilemma
Funding specified a large investment is the biggest challenge facing the boards of communities and cooperatives. The funds must be collected from the residents, and the methods are several, each painful for the home budget. The first option is one-off adoption, advanced contributionWhich will just be impossible for many families. The second solution is the distribution of payments into instalments, which, however, requires the community to borrow a bank debt and, consequently, additional interest costs.
The most likely script is drastic increase in monthly fees for the renovation fund. This may mean a rent increase of respective 100 PLN per period for respective or even respective years. Many communities have renovation funds, but the funds collected there are usually utilized for day-to-day repairs, roof repairs or thermomodernisation, and seldom adequate to cover specified a huge, one-off expense. Importantly, the work to participate in costs will apply to all owners of premises, including people surviving on the ground floorWhich elevators won't use.
This is not the end of expenses. Hidden costs nobody talks about
Installing an elevator is just the beginning of expenses. Each specified device generates fixed operating costs that will permanently charge the Community budget. Fees for regular method inspections, maintenance and possible repairs, which are mandatory and must be carried out by certified companies, should be charged. In addition, there is simply a cost of electricity consumed by an elevator, which can be crucial in intensive use.
According to expert estimates, monthly maintenance costs of 1 elevator can scope from 300 to even 700 PLN, depending on its age, kind and strength of operation. These additional charges will, of course, be added to monthly operating charges, which means a permanent rent increase for all residents. It's a trap that many people don't think about at the investment planning stage, and that will be felt for years.
Can we number on backup? Government subsidies are a drop in the sea of needs
The government has envisaged any support mechanisms, specified as funds from the State Fund for the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities (PFRON) or the Government Access Fund. These programmes offer backing to destruct architectural barriers, but have their limitations. Firstly, the amounts of grants are limited and never cover 100% of investment costs. At best, the community can number on the reimbursement of any of the expenses incurred, but the remainder will inactive should be financed from its own resources.
Secondly, the process of applying for backing is complicated and time-consuming and the envelope is limited. There is no warrant that any community that applies will receive support. Most importantly, The fresh rules do not supply for any exceptions. The work applies to all buildings gathering the tallness criterion, regardless of their age, method condition or financial situation. The deficiency of method capability will not be an argument for exemption from the obligation, in which case the installation of an external lift will be necessary.
Don't wait for the last minute. What must communities do now?
The time for the entry into force of the fresh rules is decreasing. Housing communities and cooperatives whose buildings do not have elevators should begin to act now to avoid chaos and time force in 2025. The first step should be convening a local meeting to inform them of the forthcoming changes and to present the scale of the financial challenge. It is crucial to adopt a resolution to start preparations for investment as shortly as possible.
The Management Board should then commission a method expert to find the anticipation of mounting the elevator and estimation the first costs. It is worth collecting offers from respective installation companies to compare prices and technologies. At the same time, information on all available forms of co-financing should be actively sought, both at national and local level, as any municipalities may offer additional support programmes. The sooner the community starts the process, the greater the chance to find the optimal solution and spread the financial burden over time.
Read more:
Mandatory elevator in each block from 2026. The bill for residents is even respective 1000 PLN
