What is a rental agreement?
A rental agreement is a written contract between you and the tenant.the landlordin. It states that you are allowed to use an apartment or room - and what you have to pay for it each month.
Example: You move into a 2-room apartment in an apartment building. The contract says: 2nd floor left, 60 m², €800 rent.
What should be in the rental agreement?
Pay particular attention to these points:
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Who is renting the apartment to you (name and address of thethe landlordin)?
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Who is the tenant (your name, address, date of birth)?
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Address and exact location of the apartment
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How high is the Rent and when do you have to pay them?
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Is there Incidental costs (heating, garbage, water)?
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Is the rent Temporary (e.g. for 1 year) or unlimited?
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How big is the apartment?
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Which rooms belong to the apartment (balcony, cellar, garage)?
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Are you allowed to keep pets? Is smoking allowed?
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Is a House rules included? If yes: This is also valid without a signature if it is displayed in the building.
How is the rent made up?
There are two terms:
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Basic rent (net): Only the rent for the apartment itself
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Warm rent (gross): Basic rent + ancillary costs
Example:
Basic rent: 600 €
Additional costs: 200 €
Warm rent: 800 € (this is the amount you actually pay)
Important: Electricity, gas, internet and telephone are often not in the process. You have to conclude your own contracts for this.
What types of rental are there?
The contract states which rental form applies:
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Regular rent: Rent remains the same - but may increase under certain conditions.
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Index-linked rent: Rent rises when the cost of living rises (consumer price index).
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Graduated rent: It is already clear at the start of the contract when and how much the rent will rise.
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Subletting: You rent from someone who is a tenant themselvesis in. This is only possible with the permission of theof the landlord.
What are ancillary costs?
Incidental costs cover things like:
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Water, waste water
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Garbage collection, cleaning
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Janitor, insurance
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Heating, hot water (if included)
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Light in the stairwell or cellar
Example: The service charges amount to €200 per month. You will receive a statement at the end of the year - you may have to pay something extra or get money back.
What is a deposit?
The deposit is a security payment (max. 3 months' rent). You get it back after moving outif you:
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Did not cause any damage
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Have no rent debts
Example: Your basic rent is €500. Then the deposit must not exceed €1,500.
Who is in the rental agreement?
For example, if you are using yourr PartnerIf you move in together, you can both be in the tenancy agreement. Then both are liable - if one person does not pay, the other can be obliged to pay.
What should you pay attention to when signing?
Before signing:
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Are the rent and ancillary costs clearly stated?
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How much is the deposit?
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What notice period applies?
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Are there any special rules? (e.g. obligation to renovate?)
Tip: Check whether the rent suits the area. In many cities there are Rent controlwhich is intended to prevent sharply rising rents. Read more: finanztip.de
What do you have to do after signing?
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Register your place of residence: Within 2 weeks at the Bürgeramt
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Report address: z.e.g. to the foreigners authority, bank, employer, insurance companies
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Register electricity/gas: If not regulated via the rental
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Set up a standing order for rent
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Set up a forwarding order
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Register broadcasting fee (comes by letter after registration at the office)
