Handover protocol
Short definition
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.
Is a handover protocol mandatory when moving out?
A handover protocol is not legally required, but it is highly recommended. Without a protocol, the apartment is generally assumed to have been handed over free of defects. Landlords will then find it difficult to prove any damage.
What belongs in a handover protocol?
A handover protocol should include the condition of all rooms, existing damage, meter readings, and the number of keys handed over. Additionally, photos are useful to clearly document the condition.
Practical Context
The handover protocol is one of the most important documents in the entire tenant changeover process. It provides clarity on the condition of the apartment and reduces the risk of subsequent conflicts.
Example
Damage is documented and directly confirmed by both parties, thereby avoiding later disputes.
Further Links
→ Lexicon Article: Apartment Handover
→ Blog Post: Apartment Handover Protocol: What you should keep in mind during the apartment 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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Apartment handover
The handover of the apartment refers to the formal process of transferring a rental apartment between landlord and tenant – both when moving in and when moving out. It includes the inspection, the recording of meter readings, and the documentation in the handover protocol.
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Viewing appointment
The viewing appointment refers to the agreed time at which interested parties view a property on-site or digitally. The goal is to get a realistic picture of the condition, location, and suitability of the property and to clarify any open questions.
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