Cosmetic repairs in a rented flat

In short: Cosmetic repairs are minor renovations such as painting, wallpapering and varnishing. Whether the tenant has to pay depends on the lease and current case law.

In more detail: Many clauses are invalid, such as rigid deadlines or final renovation regardless of condition. Then the landlord bears the costs.

In detail

• Handed over unrenovated: If the flat was handed over without renovation, the landlord usually cannot demand renovation.
• Rigid deadlines: “Paint every three years” regardless of condition is often invalid.
• Colour choice: Blanket requirements (“white”) during the tenancy are generally not allowed.
• Not included: Maintenance of heating, pipes or windows is the landlord’s job.
• Advice: Have the contract checked before spending a lot (mietvertrag-die-wichtigsten-punkte-vor-der-unterschrift, wohnungsuebergabe-und-protokoll).