Short definition

Cosmetic repairs are measures taken to eliminate signs of wear and tear, such as painting or wallpapering.

When do tenants have to carry out cosmetic repairs?

Only if this was effectively agreed in the tenancy agreement. Many clauses are legally invalid.

What counts as cosmetic repairs?

Typical measures include painting walls, ceilings and doors.

Practical Context

Cosmetic repairs are a classic point of contention during the handover of an apartment. Differing expectations frequently lead to conflicts between tenants and landlords.

Example
A tenant assumes that painting is not required, while the landlord expects it – the conflict only arises during the handover.

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More terms

Full glossary

Apartment handover

The apartment handover refers to the formal return of a rental apartment by the tenant to the landlord upon termination of the tenancy. It includes a joint inspection, the documentation of the property's condition in a handover protocol, and the return of all keys. The objective is to record the state of the apartment in a legally secure manner.

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Handover protocol

The handover protocol is a written document that records the condition of a rental apartment at the time of handover. It documents defects, meter readings, keys, and agreements between the tenant and the landlord.

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Rental agreement

The tenancy agreement is a legally binding contract between landlord and tenant regarding the provision of a property in exchange for payment of rent. In particular, it regulates the rental price, use, duration, as well as the rights and obligations of both parties.

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