Seeking your insight for my rental situation

Dear members,

We moved to Poland, last year in September. We started our house hunt shortly after our arrival, when we did not get any responses from numerous agents we got in to an agreement with a house owner directly. The rent was PLN 2990, quite high considering it's just 34.6 Sqm apartment and a high security deposit of PLN 4900 ( paid all in cash, he wanted to avoid tax) We did not object to it. The owner had already increased the rent by another 200 pln since april, we did accept that as well. But now due to my medical situation I have to move to a bigger apartment as a dedicated room will help speed up my recovery. During our initial discussion the we asked about the notice period and he agreed that we have to tell him a month in advance. The contract was initially made in Polish, so we have believe his words for it. Later when asked he did give us an English copy but there wasn't any mention on mutual termination of the contract with a month notice. And now he is in denial. Looks like he has no intention of returning our deposit. The contract is not notarized and he has never shared any information about the contract being fixed term and cannot be terminated before end of terms. What are our options now, that we feel trapped and exploited. Clearly he has taken our nativity for granted. Will there be any legal implications for us? Or will we have any favors from the Polish law?

Any contract signed by a non polish speaker without a certified translator is null and void if legally challenged in polish courts.
If you want to pursue the case get ready for attorney fee for around 2500 pln plus your time or just live with it.

That's how many rentals in Poland and elsewhere are... expect to be duped, but it works both ways unfortunately. You really paid a high deposit. A legal route might work but expect the process to last for a few months and then you'd have to pay a lawyer half of the deposit. Decide yourself if it's worth it. You may always post the dishonest landowner's name here or somewhere else on the Internet to warn other people.