Handbook for prospective tenants
How to rent a property step by step
1) Property selection
For easy property selection, use our property finder or submit a request and we will offer you a suitable property.
OUR TIP: Feel free to ask about any property details, preferably during a personal meeting.
2) Viewing the property
Contact us to schedule an appointment to view your selected property.
OUR TIP: Work with us to schedule a tour so you have more options for comparison.
3) Agreeing the rent amount
Negotiate and agree the amount of rent and utility deposits.
OUR TIP: The amount of service deposits is variable and always depends on the number of people renting the property.
4) Booking the property
Preparing, agreeing and concluding a reservation contract. The reservation contract is usually concluded between the prospective renter and our company.
OUR TIP: The booking period is always individual and depends on the specific circumstances and the agreement between the parties.
5) Payment of the reservation fee
A reservation fee is payable upon conclusion of the reservation agreement. It is usually paid in cash upon signing the booking contract, as it is not large and usually corresponds to 1 month's rent including deposits.
OUR TIP: In most cases, the reservation of the property is made immediately after the inspection.
6) Lease Agreement
After paying the reservation deposit, we will prepare and send you a draft rental agreement for your approval, which will then be signed.
OUR TIP: The terms of the lease agreement are usually determined by the landlord and cannot be changed in principle, but they correspond in their content to the legal regulation of the lease of the apartment according to current legislation (e.g. you may not be allowed to smoke in the premises of an apartment where the owner does not wish it and the apartment is non-smoking).
7) Handover and move-in
After the conclusion of the lease agreement, the property is handed over to the tenant for use. Subsequently, the move-in takes place. When the property is handed over, a handover report is made, recording the status of the utility meters and the actual condition of the property and its furnishings.
OUR TIP: Carefully check the meter readings and the physical condition and appearance of the property and its contents. At the end of the contract there will be a hand-back and it is at this point that most often there are misunderstandings with the landlord about the condition of the property. Prevent problems - take notes or, with the owner's consent, take photos or video.
7) Paying rent and deposits
Rent is normally paid in cash to the owner's account, in advance for each month or other agreed payment period. For example, for February, payment is due by 25 January. For March, payment is due by 25 February, etc. In addition to the rent, you may also pay deposits for utilities related to the use of the apartment. Deposits will always be refunded to you in the following year and if you are in arrears for services provided, you will be obliged to pay the arrears. In the event of an overpayment, you will be refunded the corresponding amount.
OUR TIP: Rent and deposits are usually paid together in one lump sum.
8) Security Deposit
A security deposit (called a security deposit) is paid to the owner at the latest when the property is handed over. This is an amount from which the owner can draw funds for his/her own benefit, e.g. in the event that you do not pay the rent (always pay the rent on time, please). Similarly, the security deposit can be used to pay for damages or repairs to the property.
OUR TIP: I often encounter prospective tenants thinking that the security deposit is de facto payment for the last month of the contract - it is NOT. They are funds that are meant to cover the landlord's damages and costs in connection with renting their property. If everything goes well and the apartment is handed back to the landlord without any defects - the security deposit is returned to the tenant.
9) Rewriting of contracts - HOA, electricity, gas etc.
Have you handed over the flat? Now just go through the round of utility and service suppliers and you're done. Don't forget to approach the management of the HOA to change the occupant registration in the building.
OUR TIP: Don't have time to sort out individual utility supplies? No problem, reach out to our staff and we'll be happy to help you.
10) Celebration
You're done, it's time to celebrate!
OUR TIP: Remember that in the case of a rental property, you are not in the position of the property owner... Loud celebrations will never be appreciated by your neighbours.