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10 Common Questions for Landlords
The rental process often starts at the desk – with the lease agreement, keys, and the right information.
Anyone looking to rent out a property often faces a number of legal, organizational, and practical questions. From setting the right rental price to gathering the necessary documents and preparing for the handover, there are many things to consider to ensure everything goes smoothly. To help landlords stay on top of things, we’ve summarized the most important points.
Renting out a property isn’t just about finding the right tenant. Legal requirements must be met, and all steps from creating the listing to handing over the keys should be well planned. Knowing the most common questions helps lay the foundation for a successful rental. Best of luck with your rental - or better yet, get started right away and create your listing now!
Here are the 10 most common questions:
How do I find the right tenant for my property?
Platforms like WG-Gesucht.de allow landlords to target potential tenants directly. Clear, informative listings and complete application documents help with the selection process. What makes a listing truly effective, what information is helpful, and what tenants look for in particular is explained in [this article](https://www.wg-gesucht.de/en/artikel/creating-an-offer-this-is-how-you-successfully-place-an-ad).
What documents should I request from a tenant?
Standard documents include a self-disclosure form, photo ID, proof of income, credit report (Schufa), and a certificate confirming no rental debt. Data privacy regulations must be observed. Only legally permitted information may be requested.
How high can I set the rent?
The rent may not significantly exceed the local reference rent. In areas with tight housing markets, rent control laws (Mietpreisbremse) may apply. Violations can be legally challenged.
What do I need to consider when calculating service charges?
Only costs that are legally transferable to the tenant may be charged, such as heating, water, waste disposal, and property tax. The annual service charge statement must be provided to the tenant within 12 months of the billing period.
How should I deal with rent arrears?
If the tenant falls behind by two full monthly payments, an immediate termination is possible. Before that, it's advisable to issue a reminder and possibly agree on a payment plan.
What rights do I have if the tenant terminates the lease?
Tenants can terminate the lease at any time with three months' notice. Landlords can only object in exceptional cases, such as proven personal need (Eigenbedarf).
What renovation work is necessary before the tenant moves in?
The apartment must be ready for occupancy and free from significant defects. Cosmetic repairs are only enforceable if they’ve been individually and legally agreed upon.
When is a rent increase allowed?
Rent can be increased based on the local rent index, modernization measures, or a graduated rent clause, always within the legal limits and deadlines.
What does a proper handover look like?
A detailed handover protocol with meter readings, any existing damage, and photos is recommended. This helps prevent disputes later on.
What should I know about the rental deposit?
A deposit of up to three months’ cold rent is permitted. It must be kept in a separate, interest-bearing account and settled properly after the tenancy ends.
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