The Polish Sejm is currently discussing a legislative proposal supported by the Ministry of Development and Technology aimed at curbing the practice of cities selling municipal apartments to tenants at substantial discounts. The proposed changes come at a time when cities have already been significantly reducing the sale of such properties, indicating a shift in policy regarding public housing. The legislation also includes provisions for income verification of tenants every three years, moving from the current standard of not more than once every 2.5 years for leases signed after April 21, 2019.

Under the new rules, all tenants will be subject to income checks every three years, with exceptions for specific groups such as households that consist solely of disability pensioners or retirement-age individuals. This move towards stricter regulations may complicate existing procedures for local administrations, leading to the potential need for additional staff to manage the increased workload. Experts, such as Hanna Milewska-Wilk from the Institute of Urban and Regional Development, are raising questions about how these changes can be implemented effectively without straining local resources.

The implications of this proposal are significant for both municipal governments and residents. Cities could face challenges balancing the enforcement of new regulations with maintaining affordable housing options, prompting a broader discussion on the role of government in housing markets. Additionally, as local authorities adjust to these changes, there will likely be ongoing debates about the best approaches to managing public housing in Poland's largest cities.