Balcony, cellar, garden: what counts at handover
The areas the Übergabeprotokoll (handover record) often leaves out, and what you have to do there when you move out.
You have to hand back the cellar, balcony, garden and parking space too, if you rented them with the flat. Empty them, do the garden care you agreed to and record every area on handover day.
What belongs in the Übergabeprotokoll
Give every area you rented with the flat its own line in the Übergabeprotokoll, with its condition and its keys.
- 1
Balcony or terrace
Record the floor, the railing and the walls, and note what you took down.
- 2
Cellar
The cellar should be empty and swept clean. Note the lock and the key.
- 3
Attic compartment
Empty the attic compartment, if you rented it with the flat.
- 4
Garden
Record the lawn, the beds and the hedges, as far as garden care was agreed.
- 5
Garage or parking space
Clear it out and return the key or the remote control.
- 6
Letterbox
Empty the letterbox, remove your name plate and return the key.
Why this matters
Under § 546 BGB, you have to return everything you rented, not only the rooms. Disputes often start where nobody looked: in the cellar, on the balcony or in the garden. A report that covers these areas too shows their condition on handover day.
General information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to clean the cellar when I move out?
If you rented the cellar with the flat, you have to empty it and sweep it clean. You do not have to deep-clean it.
Do I have to mow the lawn before I move out?
You only have to mow the lawn if garden care is agreed in your lease. In that case, the garden should not be overgrown on handover day.
Does the garage belong in the Übergabeprotokoll?
Yes, the garage belongs in the Übergabeprotokoll if you rented it with the flat, even under its own contract. Note its condition and that you returned the keys or the remote control.
Also in this topic: Besenrein handover: what tenants owe at move-outEinzugsprotokoll: what tenants should record on move-in dayMay I take photos at the flat handover?Are photos enough as evidence at the handover?All guides: Handover & viewings
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