Speaking of “Rental Contracts” – pt.1

Things to watch out for when signing your next rental contract as a “tenant“:

• Always sign a contract (either with the landlord or the other flatmates)
• The contract needs to have the ID number (and copy) of the flatmate/landlord.
• Make sure that nobody has a copy of the house keys; except for you and your flatmate(s). The landlord shouldn’t (under any circumstances) have a copy!
• Don’t sign a contract before you read (and if necessary, let a lawyer take a look as well)
• If you’re signing on any appendix, make sure you test all the items beforehand and make sure they’re working properly. (An appendix is a document attached to the contract and considered a part of it and contains the assets in the apartment: Freezer, microwave, TV, cooler…etc.)
• Make sure that the contract doesn’t “renew” automatically. Meaning: the contract needs to be renewed upon the 2 parties’ consent; after the ending of the contract stated interval.
• The contract shall include the rent amount and what it includes exactly (electricity bill, water bill, services…etc.) and a mention if the payment is due at the beginning of every month or an advance 3 or 6-month payment.
• If you can rent out the apartment or any part of it.
• Notice: before leaving the apartment
• Deposits/insurance/promissory note (avoid signing those)
• Making any changes in the flat (paint, décor,…etc.)
• Special clauses
• Violations that would cause immediate evection (guests, drinking, drugs…etc.)
• Maintenance clause (who covers the costs of maintenance…etc.). Just make sure that you check out everything before signing; because most probably you’ll have to cover the maintenance costs after….