Seven traps in the rental agreement

Beware of the trap: Landlords sometimes shamelessly exploit the housing shortage in metropolitan areas. So keep an eye out when checking your rental agreement. PROGEDO sees hundreds of rental agreements every year and knows the worst regulations. >>

Anyone looking for an apartment is happy to have found the right property and been offered a lease, given the current housing shortage. However, those who simply sign out of sheer joy often have a rude awakening. A lease review systematically uncovers problematic issues, points out risks, and offers the apartment seeker support in renegotiating the lease, if necessary.

What are the 7 biggest risks?

  1. Waiver of termination: One of the most important rights in a contract is the right to terminate the tenancy. Minimum tenancy clauses should be avoided, as it can be expensive if you want to leave the apartment early for personal reasons.
  2. Flat-rate operating costs: The landlord should bill the tenant for the operating costs. Those who pay a flat rate are usually paying too much.
  3. Graduated rent: If the fixed increases are very high and your income does not increase with them, you are falling into a cost trap.
  4. Apartment size: This is where cheating is common, and tenants pay too many square meters of rent. If in doubt, measure the area and specify the area in the contract.
  5. Defects in the apartment: Anyone renting an apartment with defects can request repairs, but not a rent reduction. If in doubt, arrange a handover accompanied by PROGEDO.
  6. Cosmetic repairs: Depending on how this clause is worded in the lease, it can become very expensive over the years, especially when moving out. Or it can become very inexpensive. If PROGEDO checks the wording, you'll be on the safe side. Check the wording carefully, and you'll be on the safe side.
  7. Co-signers: Whoever signs the rental agreement is also liable. Shared flats should be especially careful: If one tenant moves out, the other may end up paying for the entire apartment.

Anyone who doesn't speak German and isn't familiar with German tenancy and contract law relies on quick and competent support. Many have immediately recouped the costs of an apartment search with PROGEDO simply by avoiding one or more of the 7 pitfalls. PROGEDO's market expertise also ensures that you don't end up renting an overpriced apartment, which unfortunately is plentiful despite the rent control law.