Frequently asked questions

After you moved in, we will have emailed you the property handover checklist. The items on the checklist are intended as guidance for reporting any defects. If you identify any other defects in the property, please report them to us within 14 days by directly responding to this email.

Emergencies are damage caused by natural events, damage to the interior or exterior of a building that could be dangerous, criminal activities, damage to pipes that involves leaks and interruptions to your electricity, gas, water and heating supply. In these cases, you can contact us outside office hours and at the weekend using the emergency hotline number displayed in the entrance area.

The deposit will only be repaid once all of the costs incurred during the tenancy have been paid in full.

The repayment will only be delayed if there are still questions about certain costs or if they have not yet been paid. These costs usually apply to repairs for damage identified when the property is handed back or to an open ancillary cost bill.

The deposit is normally a maximum of three months’ rent. A deposit gives the landlord security in case a tenant doesn't pay their rent, ancillary costs or cause damage to the rental property.

Any costs for repairing damage or replacing parts are recorded in the property handover checklist and may be deducted from the deposit. Other reasons could be outstanding rent payments or additional ancillary costs that have not yet been paid.

Replacing an older household appliance (oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, washing machine etc.) may initially appear the right solution for energy consumption. However, when the resources required to manufacture the appliances are taken into account, replacing an appliance that is still functional is usually not worthwhile. 

If a household appliance breaks down, we weigh up whether repairs make sense in the long term or if replacing the appliance is more appropriate. The nature of the defect, environmental and economic factors and the cost of purchasing a new appliance are taken into account in making this decision.  

Incidentally, you’ll find useful energy-saving tips on our website. After all, you can also save energy with appliances that are a little older. 

In principle, it is possible to connect a plug-in solar panel system inside a balcony (on the wall or inside the railings). The building envelope must not be damaged in the process. 

We are happy to clarify with owners whether and under which conditions a plug-in solar panel system is desired or permitted on the outside of balconies on the property, and get back to you.

With regard to plug-in solar panel systems, please always note the following: As a tenant, you yourself are responsible and liable for the system's installation, correct operation, maintenance, dismantling and any reconstruction of its original condition. You are also fully responsible for additional costs incurred by the plug-in solar panel system.

Due to rising energy prices, we are expecting a significant increase in ancillary costs. A conclusive estimate of anticipated ancillary costs is not currently possible as price trends for gas and oil remain volatile. 

Please note that your monthly payment on account is not based on current costs. Higher energy prices therefore do not impact your payments on account, and only affect the annual billing of actual ancillary costs.

We are monitoring current developments with regard to energy supply and evaluating various energy-saving options. These may be established depending on the location and condition of the specific property and in consultation with the owners. No specific decisions have yet been made in this regard at present. 

In general, living costs consist of rent, ancillary costs (heating, hot water, property maintenance etc.) and private living costs (private electricity, Internet etc.). Energy costs are not part of the monthly rent, but are billed as part of the ancillary costs, i.e. energy price rises are reflected in your bill for ancillary costs, but not in your rent. For your electricity, you have a direct contract with your local electricity provider. As private living costs, these are separate from your rent and ancillary costs. 

We recommend monitoring the current situation and increasing your payments on account or building up reserves where possible. Should you wish to increase your payments on account, this is possible in principle. We are happy to help you estimate the anticipated additional cost. We have provided information on this which is being updated accordingly in light of the current situation.