Four strands: buying, renting, selling and letting. The articles follow the steps in the order they come up, from the budget question through paperwork and viewings to the notary appointment or the handover of keys.
Moving house is not only nerve-racking, it also takes a great deal of time. Working people can hardly spare this time. Therefore, many ask: Is it possible to take special leave for a move?
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When buying and selling their property, many people have difficulty determining an appropriate value. Too many factors influence the market value. These include the location, the substance, the size of the property, the land, rental income, operating costs and many other points.
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Many people looking for an apartment are familiar with the additions in listings: “Two months’ rent as a deposit” or “The rental security amounts to three net cold rents.” These notices refer to a security deposit that the tenant is required to pay. With this payment, the landlord wants to protect themselves against rent arrears and, in the event of damage when the tenant moves out, create financial leverage for rectification. However, both the amount of the deposit and the way the money is invested and used are subject to relatively strict regulations. It is therefore interesting for both prospective tenants and landlords to know exactly how a rental deposit works. The question also arises: What rights and obligations result from this for both parties?
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Real estate agents play an important role in the property market. Many rentals, purchases and sales of real estate are handled through them. In return, they receive a commission. In the residential property market, this commission, also known as brokerage commission, has been clearly regulated by law for several years. For a long time, things were different when buying and selling real estate. Until the end of 2020, agents and clients were free to negotiate who would bear the costs and the fees. As a rule, both parties shared the costs or the buyer of a house or apartment assumed them in full. This has changed since an amendment to the law. Who has paid the brokerage commission in real estate sales since then?
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If you decide on a new apartment or house as your place of residence, one of the most important consequences is moving. Depending on the size of your household, this can place a considerable strain on your budget. If you move for professional reasons, you can at least have part of the costs reimbursed. You then benefit from the flat-rate moving expenses. What exactly are they, and how much money is involved?
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At some point, as a tenant, you may want to move out of your apartment. At the latest then, you will ask yourself: What notice period actually applies to a standard tenancy? And what deviations from standard agreements are permitted? Are there any other details you need to consider when terminating a tenancy for an apartment or house? Are there differences depending on whether you want to terminate the tenancy as the tenant or the landlord wants to end the agreement?
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The housing market is tight in many regions. People with low incomes can hardly afford adequate housing. To mitigate this social imbalance, the state provides access to particularly affordable housing under certain conditions. A housing entitlement certificate is required for such housing; it is also called a B certificate, WBS, or §5 certificate or §8 certificate. What exactly is a housing entitlement certificate, what does it permit, and what requirements must you meet to obtain one?
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Rent increases are a source of conflict. The landlord wants an appropriate rent for their property, while the tenant wants to pay as little as possible. If the rent originally agreed is to increase after a few years, this can lead to a dispute. This can be avoided through index-linked rent. It is fixed contractually and helps prevent disagreements. This form of rent pricing has advantages and disadvantages and is subject to special rules.
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To avoid the problem of rent increases requiring consent, some landlords opt for a step rent. This permits clearly defined increases in the net cold rent, but has disadvantages as well as advantages. This applies to both sides: tenants and landlords. What exactly is a step rent?
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Real estate agents act as intermediaries when a property is to change ownership. Many of these service providers also serve as contacts for landlords and tenants. They support their clients in finding new tenants or suitable housing. They charge a commission for this. But who pays the agent’s fee? Is the commission the responsibility of the property owner or the prospective tenant?
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The apartment handover report is one of the most important documents when moving in and out. In it, both rental parties document the condition of the apartment, list defects, note the keys and furnishings handed over, as well as meter readings.
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You have found your apartment or property. The move is complete, your mail has been forwarded, and most of the remaining paperwork has been taken care of. Now you would like to register or re-register with the municipality at your new address. But have you thought of the landlord’s certificate?
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