Advise: Tenants help tenants Frankfurt e.V., Mon-Fri.9-13:00 + 14-18:00 - Tel. : 069 2835 48
The tenant must pay the deposit if this is specifically written in the contract. This deposit is withheld by the landlord if the tenant damages the flat. According to the law, the deposit cannnot exceed 3 months of the rent without charges. You've got several kinds of deposit, according to the preference of the landlord:
Deposit in cash : Most of the time, the landlord must put the deposit on a specific account. The amount of the deposit can be paid by the tenant in 3 instalments. The first payment must happen at the beginning of the contract. The deposit (or only a part if damages have occurred) and the interests will be paid back to the tenant when he leaves.
Other kind of contracts : You can also, either open a saving account on you behalf, or ask for a bank guarantee. According to you choice, you will ask the form at your bank to complete
Deposit interest: the deposit with interest stays in the bank during the 3 month notice period. The tenant can know what is the amount of the interest.
You should sign an inventory (meters reading, problems with the flat) in your new flat.
The notice period
The notice period depends on the duration of the contract
and can be from 3 months to 12 months.
The notice period orally given doesn't have any value.
For contracts with a limited duration, you can only
leave early if the contract specifies that you can find
another tenant. In exceptional situations, you can agree
with your landlord to find another tenant that the landlord
will accept.
Refurbishing
When you leave the flat you must refurbish it. Refurbishing
must be defined with the landlord. You shouldn't have
to repaint, for example, if it's not mentioned in the
contract. When you move into a new flat you should check
that refurbishing has been made. Write problems and
damages on the inventory.
Inventory
You must do the inventory with the owner when you leave
your flat, but also when you begin renting new accommodation.
The state of the flat must be agreed
in writing and the meter readings taken.
Insurances
AXA Colonia
Vers. -Service der Frankfurter Sparkasse
Schäfergasse 33, 60313 Frankfurt - Tel: 069 929 1060
The refuse are separated according to paper, glass, etc prior to collection.
The refuse service (at the town hall) will provide information for dates if you want them to collect big items (furniture, washing machine, fridge…).