What is that?
A Mietvertrag (Residential rental agreement) is a long-term legal and cost framework. Small formulations can have a big impact on monthly burden, flexibility and conflict risks. In addition to the rent, additional cost logic, termination rules, renovation clauses, handover modalities and documentation requirements should be checked.
Where do I do that?
Before signing: have the tenants association or legal advice checked.
Required documents
- ID card
- Salary statements
- SCHUFA (depending on the landlord)
Typical costs
Kaution (Tenancy security) usually up to 3 basic rents; Nebenkosten (additional housing costs) additional monthly.
Note: Costs may vary by state or city.
Progress
- 1 Record cold rent, warm rent and additional cost items separately
- 2 Calculate one-off payments (Kaution (Tenancy security), fees if applicable).
- 3 Read the notice periods carefully for both sides
- 4 Evaluate regulations on cosmetic repairs
- 5 Check house rules and usage rules
- 6 Request a handover report with meter readings and defects
- 7 Establish communication channels with landlord/property management
- 8 Save all contract attachments completely
- 9 Clarify open points in writing before signing
- 10 Only sign bindingly after complete clarification
Important German words & sentences
die Kaution - Sicherheitsbetrag für das Mietverhältnis
Die Nebenkosten - zusätzliche monatliche Kosten
Die Kündigungsfrist - Zeitraum bis Vertragsende
Ist die Heizung in den Nebenkosten enthalten?
Wie lang ist die Kündigungsfrist?
Common mistakes
- • See the total price, but don't understand the additional cost structure.
- • Do not have verbal promises confirmed in writing.
- • Inadequately document the condition of the apartment upon handover.
Official source
- BMWSB (Wohnen) (www.bmwsb.bund.de)
- Verbraucherzentrale (Miete) (www.verbraucherzentrale.de)