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Paying the rent on time
The most important and clearest duty of a tenant is to pay the monthly rent on time, in accordance with the agreed date.
In practice, the rent is usually paid no later than the third day of each month.
Repeated late payments can lead to formal warnings or, in serious cases, even to immediate termination of the tenancy agreement.
Careful use of the property (Sorgfaltspflicht)
The tenant must use the apartment and all related facilities carefully and responsibly.
They should avoid causing unnecessary damage to walls, floors, sanitary installations or appliances.
The tenant must also comply with the house rules (Hausordnung), such as quiet hours and cleanliness in common areas.
Reporting damage
If defects or damage occur in the property (for example water leaks or heating problems), the tenant must inform the landlord immediately.
If the tenant delays reporting, they may be held responsible for the worsening of the damage and for additional repair costs.
Paying ancillary costs (Nebenkosten)
Usually, the tenant is also obliged to pay the agreed operating and ancillary costs, such as heating, water, cleaning and maintenance of common areas, as specified in the tenancy agreement.
Maintaining peace and respect
The tenant should avoid excessive noise, especially during quiet times (Ruhezeiten), such as at night and on Sundays.
They should respect their neighbours and abide by the rules of shared living.
Carrying out minor repairs
In some tenancy agreements, the tenant is obliged to carry out minor repairs (Kleinreparaturen), such as fixing taps or door handles, provided that the contract explicitly states this and the costs remain within a specified price limit.
Obtaining consent before major changes
The tenant is not allowed to make major structural or substantial changes to the property (such as removing walls, changing flooring or repainting in highly unusual colours) without the prior written consent of the landlord.
No subletting without permission
If the tenant wishes to sublet part of the property to another person, they must obtain the landlord’s approval.
If the landlord refuses without a valid reason, the tenant may, in some cases, gain the right to terminate the contract.
Returning the property in good condition
At the end of the tenancy, the tenant must return the property in a clean and good condition, repairing any damage that goes beyond normal wear and tear.
In some cases, the contract may require repainting or final cleaning at the tenant’s expense.
Practical tips
Read the tenancy agreement carefully and familiarise yourself with all duties.
Document the condition of the property with photos at both move-in and move-out.
Keep copies of all correspondence with the landlord, especially regarding repairs and approvals.
Ask about any unclear clauses before signing.
Conclusion
Complying with tenant obligations (Mieterpflichten) in Germany is the foundation of a healthy tenancy relationship and protects you from disputes and unexpected costs.
By knowing your duties and respecting them, you build a relationship based on trust and mutual respect with your landlord and neighbours, and you enjoy a stable and safe place to live.
The editorial and writing team of this website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and consultation of multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors may occur or some details may be incomplete or not finally verified. For this reason, the information in these articles should be regarded as an initial point of reference, and you should always contact the relevant authorities for binding, confirmed information.
