New Bill Promises to Resolve Long-Standing Cooperative Housing Land Disputes in Poland

A groundbreaking legislative proposal by the Polish People's Party (PSL) offers a glimmer of hope for resolving the long-standing issue of unregulated land ownership within housing cooperatives. This bill, presented on April 17, 2026, is the first of its kind to holistically address the legal complexities surrounding cooperative housing land, a persistent problem that has plagued residents for years.

The proposed law introduces several key provisions designed to streamline the process of land regularization. Central to the bill is the establishment of a statutory claim for cooperatives to acquire either ownership or perpetual usufruct of the land they occupy. Crucially, these cooperative claims would take precedence over restitution claims, a significant shift that aims to protect current residents from potential displacement due to historical property disputes.

Furthermore, the bill imposes strict timelines, mandating that relevant authorities issue decisions within 12 months. Should these deadlines not be met, the authority to decide would transfer to the minister responsible for construction or public administration. Additionally, if the legal status of the land remains unresolved within 24 months of the law's enactment, cooperatives would acquire ownership or perpetual usufruct by operation of law. This comprehensive approach, which also includes the suspension and dismissal of proceedings for unauthorized land use fees, is expected to bring much-needed clarity and stability to the cooperative housing sector in Poland.