Check
lease
Before signing a lease, take the time to check every detail. A lease is a legal commitment: it sets out your rights, obligations and the conditions of your accommodation. All too often, tenants sign in haste, without noticing ambiguous clauses, poorly justified rent or excessive rental guarantees.
Here are the essential points to check before signing, to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Essential points to check before signing
A. Description of accommodation
- Make sure the property corresponds to the contract description: exact address, floor, number of rooms, equipment included.
B. Lease term and termination conditions
- Check the start date, duration and notice period (tenant/landlord).
- Make sure the conditions for early termination are clear and legal.
C. Rent and charges
- Confirm the exact rent amount and payment method.
- Ask to distinguish between net rent and service charges.
- Check that charges correspond to real expenses related to the property: water, heating, maintenance of common areas, etc.
D. Rental guarantee
- The amount cannot exceed two to three months’ rent, depending on the region and the form of deposit. For details by region :
- The guarantee can be an escrow account, a bank guarantee or a rental guarantee. It cannot be delivered “by hand”.
E. Entry wohnungsübergabeprotokoll
- It must be attached to the lease.
- Carried out jointly (lessor + lessee present) or via a property expert.
- It will serve as a reference for the release of the rental guarantee.
F. Special clauses
- Read each clause carefully before signing: rent indexation, maintenance, pets, subletting, repairs, etc.
- Refuse to accept any abusive clauses, such as: total ban on visits, renunciation of notice, disproportionate costs.
- Each page must be initialed by both parties.
G. Related documents
- Copy of EPB energy performance certificate.
- Regional legal appendix, which is a compulsory explanatory leaflet).
- Copy of wohnungsübergabeprotokoll and condominium bylaws, if applicable.
- Keep proof of lease registration.
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Practical advice before signing
- Take the time to read the entire contract before signing, even the fine print.
- Don’t hesitate to ask for written clarification of any unclear points.
- Check that your home complies with electrical, safety and ventilation standards.
- Take dated photos before the wohnungsübergabeprotokoll.
- Keep a complete, signed copy of the lease and appendices.
Useful model to download: Pre-signing home inspection checklist
