Poland moves to tighten short‑term rental and balcony repair rules

The Polish government is preparing a bill that would create a Central Register of Tourist Accommodation for short‑term rentals, allow municipalities to designate zones where such rentals are prohibited, and impose administrative fines of up to 50,000 zł for non‑compliance. The draft, presented by the Ministry of Sport and Tourism, defines short‑term rental as any lodging service lasting less than 30 days and aims to curb illegal rentals that "undermine competition" with hotels.

A separate amendment to the ownership act would reclassify the structural components of balconies, loggias and terraces as common‑property elements. Homeowners’ associations would then be responsible for repairing concrete slabs, insulation, reinforcement and railings, with costs shared among all co‑owners, while owners would retain liability for cosmetic and personal‑use aspects.

Effective 30 June 2026, new fire‑safety requirements will also apply to short‑term rental units: every rented room must have at least one autonomous smoke detector, and locations with solid‑fuel appliances must install carbon‑monoxide sensors. Non‑compliance can be fined up to 30,000 zł and may affect insurance claims. "Większość nawet nie ma pojęcia" (most owners have no idea) about these obligations, officials say.