WG room: an Übergabeprotokoll for your room and the shared rooms
What to record when you move into a room in a WG (shared flat), and who signs the Übergabeprotokoll (handover record).
When you move into a WG room, record your room and the shared rooms, with your own photos. Sign the record together with the Hauptmieter (main tenant) and keep a copy.
What goes into the record for a WG room?
A WG room is more than your own space. You share the kitchen and bathroom, so they belong in the record.
- 1
Your room
Record the walls, floor, ceiling, doors, windows and anything that is fitted.
- 2
The kitchen
Record the appliances, worktop, cupboards and floor. The kitchen is what people usually argue about at move-out.
- 3
The bathroom
Record the tiles, taps, shower or bath and the washbasin.
- 4
Marks that are already there
Note every mark and any damage, with its place and rough size.
- 5
Your own photos
Photograph your room and the shared rooms yourself.
- 6
Both of you sign
You and the Hauptmieter sign the record, and both of you keep a copy.
Why this matters
Under § 546 Abs. 1 BGB, you return the room to the Hauptmieter, who is your landlord in the sub-tenancy. You are not liable for normal wear and tear (§ 538 BGB). But you can only show that if the condition at the start was recorded.
General information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Who signs the record, the Hauptmieter or the owner?
The Hauptmieter signs the record, because they are your landlord. The owner has only agreed to the subletting.
Do the kitchen and bathroom really belong in the record?
Yes, the kitchen and bathroom belong in the record, because you share them and they are what people argue about at move-out. If only your room is recorded, your record is incomplete and your Kaution (deposit) is less protected.
Do I have to pay for normal wear and tear in a WG room?
No, you are not liable for normal wear and tear (§ 538 BGB). But without a record of the condition at the start, you have no complete proof to protect your Kaution when you move out.
Also in this topic: What to photograph when you move in: the checklistFlat viewings: what tenants have to allowHanding back a flat without the landlord: model letterWohnungsübergabe at move-out: tenant checklist before you signAll guides: Handover & viewings
Moving in or out of a WG room?
Record your room, the kitchen and the bathroom: at move-in before you move your things in, and at move-out before you hand back the keys. BildProof guides you through every room and creates a structured condition report.
Create your proof