How to recover money from a private individual: loans, sales and rent

A loan to a friend, a car sold, overdue tenant rent, an unpaid service. Debts between private individuals are commonplace, and most creditors give up because they do not know where to start. They need not: the recovery process is very similar to business debt recovery and can be pursued without upfront fees.

• An unpaid private loan (including to family or friends).
• Payment for an item sold, such as a car, equipment or furniture.
• Overdue rent and charges from a tenant.
• Payment for services performed, such as renovation, commissioned work or a specific work contract.

The common condition: the claim must be transferable and monetary. Non-transferable claims fall outside this route, particularly maintenance claims, which are pursued through separate family and enforcement proceedings.

The absence of a written contract does not rule out a case. The court assesses all the evidence, and in practice the most useful items are:

• A transfer confirmation with a description, such as ‘loan’, is often key evidence.
• Correspondence: text messages, emails and messaging conversations in which the debtor acknowledges the debt or promises payment.
• An agreement, receipt, handover report or sale advertisement.
• Witnesses to the handover of money or goods.

For loans exceeding PLN 1,000, the law requires documentary form, but even an email or text message confirming the arrangements can suffice. The more evidence, the stronger your position.

A formal demand setting a payment deadline and stating that the case will go to court is the cheapest and most effective first move. Many people pay at this stage because a letter from a professional organisation changes their perspective: the debt stops being ‘a matter between us’. You can add to the principal statutory late-payment interest.

If the debtor does not respond, the case goes to court. For documented monetary claims, the e-court (EPU) provides a fast electronic route ending in a payment order. The claim and court representation are handled by an authorised representative, a Polish legal adviser or advocate of your choice.

A practical detail: an e-court claim against an individual requires their PESEL identification number. If you do not know it, this does not rule out the case: there are lawful ways to establish the details during proceedings, although it is worth obtaining the debtor’s details as early as possible.

Periods can be shorter than you think: recurring claims such as rent become time-barred after 3 years, claims from professional sales after just 2 years, while the general period is 6 years. For a consumer debtor, the court examines limitation of its own motion, so it is worth submitting the case promptly. We will check your case’s deadline in a free assessment.

We charge on success: commission on the amount actually recovered, with published bands from 6%, no joining fee and no subscription. With PozwijGo, we may advance the court costs. You can find the full ranges on our Pricing.

Submit your case online and attach what you have: a transfer record, correspondence or agreement. We will assess your prospects free of charge and propose a route, while you decide on every subsequent step.