Handover free of defects
Careful inspection and rectification of defects before the flat is handed over
If a tenant is responsible for damage and major defects in a flat, these problems should be rectified as comprehensively as possible before the flat is handed over with as little stress as possible. Whether negligence and therefore generally no intent has led to damage is irrelevant in this respect. Accordingly, it is advisable to check the condition of the flat very thoroughly.
Some damage is not even recognisable before you move out of a rented flat. For example, a relatively large crack is often hidden behind a piece of furniture. In the worst case, mould or a similar problem may even have appeared in concealed areas. It is therefore advisable to take a look behind the cupboards on the walls a few months before the cancellation date. This gives tenants more time to rectify any major defects before the flat is handed over.
If you recognise damage too late, in the worst case you may not be able to meet your obligations before handing over your home. This is because tradesmen and other service providers are not always immediately available to carry out repairs at favourable conditions. A timely inspection of the entire flat can therefore avoid unnecessary surcharges.
Perfectly clean at the end
Broom-clean handover without stress with appropriate cleaning of the flat
To avoid stress when handing over a flat, the tenant should also clean it properly after any defects or damage have been rectified. This is often an important prerequisite for a proper condition. The tenancy agreement determines how thoroughly a tenant must clean the flat before handing it over. According to typical contract models, rented flats are normally handed over swept clean. Under this condition, a tenant may not leave any coarse dirt behind before handing over the flat. This includes, for example, cobwebs.
This means that it is usually essential to clean even the hard-to-reach corners of a rented flat thoroughly to ensure a stress-free handover. Careful maintenance of the floors is also crucial. If the tenancy agreement places particularly high demands on cleanliness when handing over the flat, it may be worth hiring a professional cleaning company. Professionals can often remove coarse dirt very thoroughly and more quickly with high-quality equipment.
Contractually regulate cosmetic repairs
Cosmetic repairs only if mentioned in the tenancy agreement
A tenant does not always have to go to unnecessary trouble with so-called cosmetic repairs before the flat is handed over. A typical example of this is wallpapering. In Germany, this is actually a general maintenance obligation for landlords. However, the tenancy agreement also remains decisive with regard to such measures. In principle, it is possible to transfer responsibility for cosmetic repairs to the tenant in the contract. In some cases, it is then mandatory for the previous tenant to carry out the relevant renovation work before moving out and handing over the property.
However, the question often arises as to whether the obligation to carry out cosmetic repairs in the tenancy agreement is valid. If the flat was already renovated relatively shortly before the cancellation and is in good condition, renewed renovation work is often invalid. This is because the contents of the contract cannot completely ignore these factors.
Observe contractual clauses
Restrictions when deciding on colours and wallpapers
If the tenant has to paint or wallpaper the surfaces before the flat is handed over according to the tenancy agreement, there is no unrestricted freedom of design. It is usually necessary for selected colours to be accepted by as many prospective tenants as possible. In connection with a final renovation clause, it is possible to make certain specifications in the tenancy agreement. For example, it is possible to specify discreet, light or neutral colours and sample wallpaper.
Contractually secure original condition
Tips for returning the rented flat in its original condition
In many cases, it is absolutely necessary to return the flat in a contractual condition as part of the handover. It is then usually necessary for the tenant to restore the original conditions. If a fitted kitchen has been installed, the previous tenants should reverse this measure accordingly. Under such circumstances, tenants may be obliged to reinstall a previous kitchen unit. In addition, it is sometimes necessary for the previous occupants to rehang doors that have been removed from a passageway.
Photos of the previous appearance of a flat help to recreate the original condition in detail prior to the handover. If the tenant did not photograph the rooms themselves when they moved in, the landlord may be able to provide previous photographs. It is generally worth talking to the landlord about the relevant measures in advance.
Together, the tenant and the landlord may deviate from the usual requirements for restoring the previous condition by mutual agreement during the handover of the flat. The owners of a rented flat often do not insist that a kitchen be removed. In this case, the new tenant or landlord will take over the old kitchen fittings.
Clear agreements prevent additional claims
Stress-free flat handover thanks to pre-acceptance and handover protocol
A pre-acceptance offers all parties involved the opportunity to clarify open questions without stress in the run-up to the handover of the flat. The tenant discusses with the landlord what measures still need to be taken. This makes it possible to rectify any problems raised without stress or pressure.
With a handover protocol, tenants in turn avoid ambiguities causing disputes and corresponding stress. By signing the protocol, all parties involved express their consent to the handover process. This means there are far fewer misunderstandings later on.
Stress-free clearing out with professionals
Good reasons for hiring a removal company for support
If the tenant has to remove a large proportion of the furnishings before the flat is handed over, professional disposal by a removal company can significantly reduce the stress. Some removal service providers will completely clear a flat on request in order to fulfil all the conditions of the tenancy agreement. This also includes items that are being disposed of and are not wanted in the new home. In addition, exceptional providers even take care of cleaning and renovating the premises with a comprehensive service. If you want to hand over your home stress-free, you should therefore seek advice from professional removal companies now.
Conclusion
Although fulfilling the requirements of the tenancy agreement can involve a great deal of effort when handing over a flat, stress can be avoided with the right tips. Firstly, it is important to read through the contract in detail and ensure that the rented flat is in the required condition at an early stage. There are good reasons for hiring professionals and taking a stress-free approach to the future of your new home.
