Handing over a flat and the handover record

In short: On moving in and out the condition of the flat is recorded in a handover record. It protects both sides from disputes about damage and the deposit.

In more detail: Both parties sign the record. Later it serves as evidence of which defects were already present.

In detail

• Go through each room: Walls, floors, windows, doors, bathroom, kitchen, keys and meter readings.
• Photos and date: Every damage is photographed with date and room name.
• Meter readings: Read and note electricity, water and heating.
• Report defects: Write even seemingly small damage into the record.
• Moving out: Hand over broom-clean, return keys, clarify viewings for the next tenant. The landlord must repay the deposit after a reasonable review period (mietkaution).