Apartment handover
Short definition
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.
Which meter readings must be recorded during the apartment handover?
During the apartment handover, all relevant consumption meters must be documented. This includes electricity, water (cold and hot), gas, and if applicable, heating oil. The meter readings should be recorded in the protocol and ideally photographed, as they form the basis for the subsequent billing.
When does an apartment handover take place?
The apartment handover takes place when a new tenant moves in or when an existing tenant moves out. It marks the transition between two tenancies and is usually carried out on the first or last day of the tenancy.
Is a handover protocol mandatory during the apartment handover?
A handover protocol is not legally required, but it is highly recommended. It documents the condition of the apartment and serves as evidence in the event of subsequent disputes.
Practical Context
The apartment handover is a key transition point in a tenancy. Defective or missing documentation often leads to disputes and additional coordination efforts.
Example
Without a documented meter reading, a correct utility bill statement is hardly possible.
Further Links
→ Glossary article: Handover protocol
→ Glossary article: Apartment inspection
→ Blog article: Apartment handover via app: digital and structured execution
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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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Service charge statement
The service charge statement is the annual comparison of the operating costs actually incurred with the advance payments made by the tenant. The basis is the service charges agreed in the tenancy agreement.
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