You rented out a house or flat in the UK. The tenant moved out, but the rent account remains unsettled. You learn that they are now in Poland. Start by organising the balance and documents. Do not assume that moving abroad proves fraud or determines where proceedings belong.
Establish exactly what is owed
Separate unpaid rent from property damage, charges, bills and costs you want to add. List due dates, amounts and payments. Identify the supporting document for each item. Do not treat every cost as automatically recoverable.
Check who entered into the tenancy agreement and who is entitled to pursue the claim. The owner, agent and guarantor may have different roles. An agency managing the tenancy does not show that it can bring every claim in its own name.
Separate the debt from possession proceedings
If the former tenant has left, the objective may be recovering money. If they still occupy the property, possession and ending the tenancy raise separate questions. One procedure is not presented as suitable for both. Information about UK property disputes is educational and is not an offer to handle UK proceedings.
Prepare the documents
Keep the tenancy agreement and amendments, rent account, payment history, correspondence and documents recording the end of the tenancy. Gather deposit documents and any accounting for it. If damage is alleged, separate the evidence of damage from rent arrears. Read the document checklist.
Do you have a judgment or are you considering a claim?
An existing judgment requires checks of the court, decision, commencement date, service and enforceability. Without a judgment, the claim, applicable law and jurisdiction need assessment. Do not assume a tenant’s current Polish address permits a Polish claim in every case concerning a UK tenancy. Requires individual legal assessment.
A specific rule for residential tenancies
Recognition and enforcement require an individual assessment of the legal basis, countries, commencement date, service and records. A judgment does not automatically permit enforcement in another country. The relevant lawyer should confirm the detailed conditions.
Deposit, assets and costs
Account for actual payments and documented adjustments before stating the balance. A deposit does not automatically settle all arrears or permit any cost to be deducted. Its treatment must be assessed under the applicable rules. Requires individual legal assessment.
An address in Poland is not proof of assets. Before a substantial expense, compare the amount owed with assessment, document and further action costs. A favourable judgment does not guarantee payment.
How to contact us
Prepare a brief summary of your situation. Do you already have a judgment? Then briefly explain the situation: UK rent arrears, former tenant now in Poland, with or without a judgment. Start by establishing whether the matter falls within the scope of assistance and what information is needed for assessment. Send tenant details and documents only through an agreed secure channel. Requires individual legal assessment.
FAQ
Does the tenant’s move mean the money is lost?
The move alone does not establish this. Documents, deadlines and possible routes need assessment; success is not promised.
Should I immediately bring a new claim in Poland?
Do not choose a route solely from the current address. Residential tenancy claims require particular assessment. An existing judgment and a claim without one are different situations.
Can I post the tenant’s details in groups?
Do not publish details, documents or accusations to apply pressure. Agree lawful communication and recovery methods with the specialist handling the matter.
Related guides
Sources
HCCH 2019 text and status. References for individual legal review.
Related guides
- UK–Poland debt recovery: where to start
- UK judgment or CCJ: can you pursue payment in Poland?
- Polish company has not paid your invoice? First steps for UK businesses
- UK–Poland business contracts: governing law and jurisdiction
About this information
Educational material, not legal advice. TwojaSprawa is an information and coordination platform, not a law firm or debt collection agency. We do not advise on UK law or conduct UK proceedings. Legal assistance in Poland requires a regulated Polish lawyer and confirmation of scope. Recovery and completion dates are not guaranteed. Legal details require individual verification; AI checks are not a lawyer’s approval. A provider and service scope for this category have not yet been confirmed.