Drafting rental agreements correctly: What owners should look out for

A well-drafted tenancy agreement creates clarity for landlords and tenants and protects both sides from legal uncertainties. Landlords who want to let their property should make sure that the tenancy agreement is drafted in a legally sound manner and contains all the important provisions.

Use legally compliant rental agreements
A rental agreement should not simply be copied from the internet, as many sample agreements can be outdated or incomplete. It is advisable to use templates from real estate associations or tenancy law experts to ensure that all current legal requirements are taken into account.

Important components of the rental agreement
A complete rental agreement should contain the following points:

Tenant and landlord details
Exact description of the rented apartment (size, furnishings, shared rooms)
Amount of rent and ancillary costs and their billing method
Deposit and its management
Contract term and notice periods
Regulations on cosmetic repairs and maintenance obligations
Terms of use for communal areas such as gardens or parking spaces

Fixed-term or open-ended rental contracts?
Whether a fixed term makes sense depends on the owner's plans. An open-ended tenancy agreement offers long-term security, while a fixed term is only permissible in certain cases, for example if the owner wishes to use the apartment themselves at a later date.

Termination clauses and rent increases
Landlords should check whether a graduated rent or index-linked rent makes sense in order to contractually stipulate future rent increases. Provisions on termination should also be clearly formulated in order to avoid disputes.

Conclusion
A professionally drafted tenancy agreement protects landlords from legal problems and ensures a clear relationship between both parties. Owners should refer to current model contracts or seek advice from experts to ensure a secure and stable long-term tenancy.
© immonewsfeed

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