Einzug in eine neue Wohnung

Handover of the apartment before moving in

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Handover of the apartment before moving in

WohnungsansichtCongratulations – you were successful and have finally found a nice apartment in Munich

The rental price and the start of the rental period are right, the area is nice, well connected to public transportation, but still quiet. The move-in date has been set, the right moving company has been found, the move is planned. Now the handover of the apartment must happen, in the course of which you will also receive the keys to your new home.

Before the handover, the deposit (maximum 3 net rents) must be paid to the apartment owner. According to § 551 Par. 2 BGB, this can be paid in three installments upon consultation with the landlord. This means that the first partial payment of the deposit is made with the first rent payment, the second and third payment is due with the second and third rent. Moving always entails a lot of costs and the partial payment of the rent deposit allows a welcome financial relief.

 

WohnungsübergabeIn the past, until 2015, the broker’s commission, 2 months rent + VAT, made up a significant part of these costs. Around 90% of the apartments available in Munich were offered by brokers. Since June 2015 the “orderer principle” has been in place. If the apartment owner appoints a broker to re-let his apartment, he has to pay the broker fees. There are no brokerage costs for apartment seekers.

When the apartment is handed over, not only are the keys handed out, but the entire apartment is being inspected for damages and defects, and the meters are read.
The handover of a new apartment with first occupancy is significantly less time-consuming, as everything is new, unused, and therefore in perfect condition.

In order to avoid discussions or disputes later, when moving out, it is important to do a thorough handover and draw up a protocol.

 

Below is a checklist for the handover:

  • Make an appointment for the handover in daylight
  • Create a handover protocol
  • Make notes of all grievances, damages in the apartment, the fitted kitchen, on the balcony, terrace, in the garden, cellar, garage
  • Make notes of damage to the flooring, tiles, walls, doors, door frames, heaters
  • Take photos of all defects and damage
  • Make a note of whether the apartment is freshly painted or not
  • Make notes of the meter readings of the water, heating and electricity meters, or take a photo of the meter readings and also write them down in the protocol
  • Make a note of the number and type of keys (house and apartment door, cellar, mailbox, garage, garage transmitter)
  • If there’s a fitted kitchen, check the kitchen appliances and cupboards for damage and their function
  • Also check proper function of everything in the bathroom and guest toilet
  • Check the function of the windows and shutters
  • Check the function of the door opener and the intercom system
  • Check the basement room
  • If there is a laundry room with shared used washing machines and dryers in the basement, have them shown to you and let them explain you the procedure for using the devices
  • Let them show you the location of the bike room, garbage room, garage space, etc.
  • Clarify who in the house is responsible for the production and affixing of the name badges on the mailbox and bell, what costs arise, and who pays for it
  • Clarify who your contact person is in the event of damage during the rental period and get the relevant contact addresses.
  • In a multi-party house, the contact address of the caretaker and property manager are generally announced on a notice in the entrance area of ​​the house.
  • If there are existing defects that will be repaired by the owner, note these down and note the date by which the defects should be fixed.
  • Add the date and the signatures of the owner / representative, as well as the tenant’s signature to the protocol
  • For the registration or re-registration of your place of residence, you need the “Wohnungsgeberbestätigung” (Housing Provider Confirmation) from the owner / representative. Have this given to you upon the apartment handover.
  • If you notice any damage or defects in the apartment in the first 2 weeks, document this in writing and with a picture, and forward it to the landlord.

Enjoy your new home.