Rent & Let

The annual service charge statement is a challenge for many landlords - and often a point of contention for tenants. If you draw up the statement correctly and clearly, you can avoid conflicts and stay on the safe side legally. Which costs can be apportioned? In principle, only so-called "apportionable operating costs" may be billed. These include...

Digitalization not only makes it easier to conclude rental agreements, but also to manage them. More and more landlords are turning to digital solutions to securely store documents, keep track of deadlines and simplify communication with tenants. Simplified document management Instead of paper folders, rental agreements, handover protocols and utility bills can be...

The termination of a tenancy by the landlord is strictly regulated by law and can only take place under certain conditions. Incorrect or incomplete notices of termination can quickly lead to lengthy legal disputes. Landlords should therefore know exactly when and how a termination is legally permissible. Ordinary termination only with a legitimate interest A...

When and to what extent rent increases are permissible Modernization measures can significantly increase the residential value of a property. However, landlords are not allowed to pass on the costs to tenants without restriction. The legal regulations on rent increases following modernization are clearly defined and should be strictly observed. Which modernizations can be passed on? Not every...

For landlords, choosing the right tenant is crucial. Tenant nomads who do not pay rent or damage apartments cause high costs. But how can such risks be avoided? What landlords should look out for when selecting tenants Credit check: A SCHUFA report provides information about the tenant's financial reliability. Proof of income: Three current...

A well-drafted tenancy agreement creates clarity for landlords and tenants and protects both sides from legal uncertainties. If you want to let your property as an owner, you should make sure that the tenancy agreement is legally sound and contains all the important provisions. Use legally compliant rental agreements A rental agreement should not simply be taken from the Internet...

A vacant rental property means financial losses for owners and can reduce the value of the property in the long term. To prevent longer vacancy periods from occurring in the first place, landlords should focus on targeted marketing and strategic rental pricing. This article shows how owners can find a suitable tenant quickly and effectively. Attractive rents...

A granny apartment offers many advantages, but it must also meet specific requirements. Owners should consider this before building. Marc Ellinger from the VPB regional office in Freiburg-Südbaden emphasizes that a granny apartment must form a self-contained unit and have its own entrance. The equipment of a granny apartment also includes the kitchen and bathroom, which...

From July 1, landlords will no longer be allowed to pass on the monthly fees for a cable TV connection to their tenants. This was previously the case for apartment buildings with a shared cable connection. The reason for the abolition of the so-called "ancillary cost privilege" is an amendment to the Telecommunications Act. Tenants can then choose their own provider. For...

The Federal Association of Consumer Organizations warns against misleading advertising letters from Nowenergy, Primastrom and Voxenergie. These letters suggest a price reduction, but lead to new contracts with significantly higher prices when signed. Customers who sign a new contract in this way would also lose the opportunity to appeal against invalid price increases by the...