Introduction

At OH-Stay.com, we have compiled this resource to assist our hosts in understanding their responsibilities and to offer a general overview of the legal, regulatory, and practical considerations pertinent to hosting. Hosts are required to adhere to our Hosting Standards and to ensure full compliance with all laws and regulations applicable to their specific location and situation. Please note that this article is not comprehensive and does not constitute legal or tax advice. We advise hosts to conduct their own due diligence, as the information provided may not be updated in real time. Ultimate responsibility for verifying, interpreting, and complying with all information presented herein rests with the host.

Table of contents

Health and Cleanliness
Local Regulations
National Taxes
Regulations and Permissions
Safety
Good Manners
Insurance
Other Hosting Information

Health and Cleanliness

Information about OH-Stay.com's cleaning protocols can be found in our Responsible Hosting Guide.

Key recommendations on cleaning

• Government of Poland – COVID-19 and health guidance: gov.pl/koronawirus and Ministry of Health

• Chief Sanitary Inspectorate (GIS): gov.pl/gis

• ECDC cleaning/disinfection recommendations: ecdc.europa.eu

• CDC guidance on entering a space before cleaning/disinfection: cdc.gov

Local Regulations

Rules can vary by municipality (gmina/miasto) and building type. Start with:

• Hotel and similar services legal framework: Act on Hotel Services and Tourist Guides (ISAP)

• Municipal registers of accommodation facilities (ewidencja) – check your gmina/miasto website

• Local tourist/health fees (op?ata miejscowa/uzdrowiskowa): Act on Local Taxes and Fees (ISAP)

National Taxes

Tax is a complex topic. Your obligations depend on your situation; consider researching or consulting a qualified tax advisor.

In general, income you earn as a host on OH-Stay.com is taxable and may be subject to PIT and, in some cases, VAT. See:

• Polish Tax Portal (KAS): podatki.gov.pl

• PIT for private rental (e.g., rycza?t from rental): Najem prywatny – rycza?t

• VAT overview: VAT – informacje

Filing timeline
Annual PIT returns are generally due by 30 April. File online via Twój e-PIT / e-Deklaracje. Non-standard cases may have different schedules—confirm with your urzad skarbowy.

Regulations and Permissions

Make sure you’re allowed to host at your property. Restrictions can arise from contracts, laws, and community rules.

Contractual agreements and permits
Review leases, building regulations, and HOA/by-laws; contact your landlord, community council, or building manager as needed. Where everyone agrees, you may add an addendum clarifying responsibilities and liabilities.

Mortgage restrictions
If your property has a mortgage, confirm with your lender that hosting/subletting is permitted.

Subsidized housing restrictions
Social/subsidized housing typically restricts subletting without permission. Check with your housing authority or association.

Housemates
Consider a written housemate agreement covering hosting frequency, guest etiquette, and revenue sharing.

EU consumer protection law
If you offer services online, ensure compliance with EU rules. See the European Commission’s consumer protection overview.

Safety

We care about the safety of Hosts and their guests. Improve peace of mind by preparing emergency instructions and noting any hazards.

Emergency contact information
Provide: local emergency numbers (Poland’s general emergency number is 112), nearest hospital contact, your number, and a backup contact. Guests can also contact you via OH-Stay.com messages.

Medical supplies
Keep a first-aid kit, tell guests where it is, and restock regularly.

Fire prevention
If you have gas appliances, follow safety regulations and install a working carbon monoxide detector. Provide and maintain a fire extinguisher.

Exits
Post a clearly marked fire-escape route.

Hazard prevention

• Inspect for trip/fall hazards and remove or clearly mark them

• Fix exposed wires

• Ensure stairs have railings

• Remove or lock away dangerous items

Child safety
Use the Additional notes section of Listing details in your OH-Stay.com account to disclose hazards or indicate if your home isn’t suitable for children/infants.

Climate control
Ensure ventilation; provide safe-use instructions for heating/AC; check the thermostat; service appliances regularly.

Courtesy

Help guests understand local rules and community expectations.

Building rules
Share rules for common areas and amenities.

House rules
Include your house rules in the Additional notes section of Listing details in your OH-Stay.com account.

Neighbors
Consider informing neighbors you host and address concerns proactively.

Noise
Set quiet hours; consider policies such as no parties, no unregistered guests, and—if needed—no pets.

Parking
Explain building and neighborhood parking rules (assigned spaces, street-cleaning windows, overnight limits).

Pets
Check lease/building rules. If allowed, share nearby exercise areas and waste-disposal guidance, plus a backup kennel option.

Privacy
Respect guest privacy and comply with applicable surveillance and data-protection laws.

Smoking
If prohibited, post signs. If allowed, provide ashtrays in designated areas.

Insurance

Work with your insurer to determine obligations, limits, and coverage appropriate for your situation. Some policies do not cover guest-caused damage or loss—review your terms carefully.

Liability and basic coverage
Review your homeowner’s or renter’s policy with your insurer to ensure adequate liability coverage and property protection.

Other Hosting Information

For more guidance, visit our Hosting FAQs.

Important: Hosts are solely responsible for their conduct and compliance. OH-Stay.com does not control individual host behavior and is not liable for their actions. Non-compliance may result in suspension or removal. OH-Stay.com is not responsible for the accuracy of information on third-party sites linked in this resource.