Government adopts amendment to the flood law – what support is available for those affected?

On April 15, 2025, the Council of Ministers approved a draft amendment to the Act on Special Solutions Related to Flood Recovery. This is another significant legislative step following the previously announced changes discussed in the article Changes to the Act on Special Solutions Related to Flood Recovery. The new draft expands existing measures, including financial assistance for residents and entrepreneurs affected by the September 2024 flood. What exactly can those affected count on?

Buyout of destroyed properties

One of the key solutions included in the draft law is the possibility of the State Treasury purchasing destroyed properties through the Polish Waters authority. This option will be available to owners of legally built homes and apartments that were destroyed by the flood and have a demolition order.

Before selling the property, the owner may request a valuation from Polish Waters. The buyout price will include the market value of the land and the replacement value of the building, excluding flood-related damages. In particularly justified cases, such as in areas at risk of future flooding, Polish Waters may designate plots for buyout themselves and offer purchase with a 20% discount.

Importantly, plots acquired after the flood will not be eligible for buyout, and new construction will be prohibited on the purchased land – except for minor infrastructure such as small architecture.

Square meter for square meter – exchange for municipal housing

For people who lost their homes, there is an option to exchange destroyed properties for municipal housing. The new rules are designed to be transparent and fair – the so-called “square meter for square meter” principle will apply, meaning the owner of a destroyed house or apartment will receive a replacement unit of the same usable area. If the new apartment is larger, the difference must be paid at market price per extra square meter. In the opposite case – if the municipal unit is smaller – the difference will not be compensated. The exchange program will be available until September 2027.

Flood renovation subsidy – up to 70%

Owners and managers of severely damaged multi-family buildings will be able to apply for a so-called flood renovation subsidy. To qualify for assistance, the damage must amount to at least 5% of the property’s value. The amount of the subsidy will depend on the type of building and will cover 50% to 70% of renovation costs. Applications must be submitted to BGK within 12 months from the date of damage. Additionally, flood subsidy applications will be processed with priority.

Fewer formalities for rebuilding homes

The amendment also introduces simplifications related to the reconstruction of single-family homes. Owners of buildings up to 140 m² will not need to apply for a building permit – a simple notification will suffice. Other procedures related to project documentation and formalities for reconstruction have also been streamlined.

Rebuilding and cleaning without unnecessary procedures

Procedures have also been simplified for flood protection projects. Damaged water infrastructure can be rebuilt without the need to obtain an environmental decision. Exceptions apply to projects affecting Natura 2000 sites, where special regulations will still be in force.

The simplifications also apply to riverbed cleaning operations. Polish Waters will be allowed to remove trees and shrubs without prior consent, including in the area between the shoreline and the flood embankment or natural bank. The simplified procedure will remain in effect until the end of 2026.

Extended period for drying and reconstruction benefits

The government has decided to extend until the end of 2025 the availability of the PLN 1,000 benefit for drying flooded properties. At the same time, the deadline for applying for renovation (up to PLN 100,000) and reconstruction (up to PLN 200,000) allowances has been extended – applications may now be submitted until June 30, 2025.

Housing support and relief for businesses

Individuals renting commercial spaces to affected entrepreneurs may receive a so-called housing benefit for repairs, paid by ZUS. Entrepreneurs have also been granted forgiveness of ZUS contributions for the periods August–December 2024 and January–May 2025. Future contribution forgiveness will also be possible – the details will be specified in a regulation by the Council of Ministers.

When will the new regulations come into force?

The amendment to the flood law will come into effect the day after its publication in the Journal of Laws, except for certain provisions that will apply on dates specified in the act.

main photo: Fototeo Piotr Bieniecki