Flat handovers made easy. A checklist for tenants.
Moving house soon? Then there is plenty for you to do. The flat handover is a particular source of concern for many tenants. Is the apartment clean enough? Are there any major defects? Are all the keys present? To give you peace of mind when the time comes to hand over your flat, we have put together a comprehensive checklist for you.
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At a glance
After moving house it is time for the handover – a stressful event for many tenants. If you start cleaning early, repair minor defects and remove all your personal objects, you will avoid discussions and unnecessary costs. Our checklist will help you to remember everything important.
What do I need to check throughout the flat?
When your rental contract comes to an end, you must return the apartment to the management agency in a clean and tidy state. In addition to cleaning it, you should check the entire flat for defects and repair or correct them before the handover.
To check:
Important documents: Keep the rental contract and the handover protocol to hand.
Cupboards: Check all shelf supports, shelves and clothes rails.
Keys: Make sure that all keys for the apartment, cellar, attic and other rooms (door keys) are present.
Replace if broken:
Replace any permanent light fittings and lampshades that are broken.
Toothbrush glasses and shower hoses.
Remove:
Completely remove all stickers, self-adhesive tapes and hooks.
Remove any wallpaper and items you have installed yourself.
Remove nails, dowels and screws and fill in the holes.
Exception: If the next tenants wish to take over some of the items you have installed, they should explicitly inform you of this (ideally in writing). You can then leave the object or installation in place.
Cleaning the floors:
Parquet floors: Clean with a damp mop only; do not use too much water.
Linoleum or plastic flooring (PVC): Do not apply any hard wax oil or varnish.
Carpets: Vacuum and shampoo thoroughly.
Cleaning windows:
Windows: Clean on the inside and outside.
Rollable blinds and shutters: Wipe down or clean with water.
Awnings: Remove dirt and dust with a brush.
Kitchen: what do I have to pay attention to when handing over my apartment?
The kitchen is one of the most heavily used rooms, and a place that can quickly get dirty. For that reason, it will be inspected particularly closely when you hand over the flat. Carefully remove limescale and fat and food residues to ensure that the kitchen looks clean and well-looked-after.
To check:
Tap: Make sure that there are no leaks and the sink drains properly.
Oven: Check that the light is working and the tray and grid are in place.
Extractor hood: Check whether the light can be switched on and off.
Fridge: Check the rubber seals for cracks and ensure that the accessories (egg tray, ice cube compartment, drawers/shelves, etc.) are all present and the lights are working.
Electrical appliances: Check that everything is working and make sure that the instructions for the fridge, dishwasher and extractor hood are to hand.
Replace if broken or lost:
Replace calcified or dripping tap aerators including seals.
Repair broken or loose handles on cupboards and drawers.
Replace missing or broken accessories.
Cleaning:
Oven and cooker: Clean surfaces thoroughly with a grease removing agent. The tray and grid must be spotless. If this is not possible, they must be replaced.
Fridge and freezer: Defrost the fridge and freezer and clean them thoroughly. Do not forget to clean the filters.
Extractor hood: Remove all fat residues and replace the mesh filters.
Bathroom: important points to remember
Bathrooms are breeding grounds for germs. It is therefore essential to clean them thoroughly and remove any limescale and mould.
To check:
Shower and bath: Remove residues and mould and repair cracks in the joints.
Sink: Check whether there are any scratches or cracks and make sure that the water drains properly.
Toilet: Test the flushing mechanism and make sure that the toilet seat is intact.
Fittings: Check seals and taps for dripping and limescale.
Ventilation: Clean and/or replace the mesh filter.
Replace if broken:
Accessories: Replace broken toothbrush glasses and soap dishes.
Shower hose and head: If there are cracks or a lot of limescale, you should buy a new hose or shower head.
Descale:
Tap including removable reduction nozzles
Toothbrush glasses, chrome and stainless steel fittings, plugs and drains
Soak shower hose and head in a decalcifying solution
Outdoor area and storage rooms: what is part of the handover?
Balconies, terraces, cellars and attics also have to be handed over in a clean and tidy condition.
To check:
Balcony and terrace: Make sure that floors, railings and walls are clean and free of damage. Remove plants and personal items.
Shutters and blinds: Check that everything is working.
Letter box: Empty the compartments and remove your name plate.
Garage/parking space: Remove any objects and leave the space clean and tidy.
Cellar and attic: Remove all furniture and check that you have all the keys.
Cleaning:
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