Besenrein handover: what tenants owe at move-out
What besenrein (swept clean) really requires, what landlords often wrongly demand, and what to record on handover day.
Besenrein means the flat is empty, the floors are swept and obvious dirt is removed. Cleaning the windows, a deep clean and repainting are not part of it. Record the condition on handover day, because you cannot show it afterwards.
What besenrein requires
If besenrein was agreed, you have to do these six things. You do not have to do more.
- 1
Empty the flat
Take furniture, boxes and rubbish out of every room.
- 2
Sweep the floors
Leave no dust, no crumbs and no grit in the corners.
- 3
Remove obvious dirt
Remove stains you notice at once, and cobwebs on the ceilings.
- 4
Do the cellar and attic too
Empty and sweep the cellar and the attic, if you rented them with the flat.
- 5
Clear the balcony
Remove planters, leaves and rubbish from the balcony.
- 6
Hand back every key
Return all the keys, including the ones for the cellar and the letterbox.
Why this matters
Besenrein is quick to do but hard to prove if the landlord later says otherwise. If the landlord wants to deduct from the Kaution (deposit), they have to prove the damage. With your own report from handover day, it is not just your word against the landlord's.
General information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to clean the windows when I move out?
No, you do not have to clean the windows if besenrein was agreed. Besenrein means swept clean, and window cleaning is not part of it.
Can the landlord deduct a final cleaning from the Kaution?
The landlord cannot deduct a final cleaning from the Kaution if you returned the flat besenrein. If the landlord deducts for obvious dirt, they have to prove it, for example with photos from handover day.
Does the cellar have to be besenrein too?
Yes, the cellar has to be besenrein too if you rented it with the flat. Empty it and remove obvious dirt and cobwebs.
Also in this topic: Einzugsprotokoll: what tenants should record on move-in dayMay I take photos at the flat handover?Are photos enough as evidence at the handover?How long to keep photos and the Übergabeprotokoll?All guides: Handover & viewings
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