Clean accommodation is not a matter of course – it is the result of clear agreements and mutual responsibility. A functioning system is particularly important for fitter apartments, which are regularly inhabited by changing tenants. Who is responsible for what? How often is cleaning? And what happens when something breaks? These questions should be clarified before moving in – not only when the first conflict arises. Cleaning and maintenance are two sides of the same coin: both contribute to the fact that accommodation remains permanently habitable and nobody feels disadvantaged.
Who is responsible for cleaning?
The answer to this question depends on the respective rental agreement and the agreements with the landlord. Basically, there are two models: either the tenants take over the ongoing cleaning themselves, or the landlord provides a cleaning service – sometimes for an additional charge, sometimes included in the rental price.
In the case of fitter accommodation, self-cleaning by tenants is the most common. This means: Everyone is responsible for their own area, and common areas are maintained by all residents after a fixed cycle. Sounds simple – but only works in practice if everyone is participating.
Ongoing cleaning during the stay
The ongoing cleaning includes everything that keeps normal residential operations clean. These include:
- Clean the kitchen after each cooking, wipe the stove and work surfaces
- Don’t leave the dishes, but rinse them directly or put them in the dishwasher
- Wipe the bathroom regularly, remove limescale deposits promptly
- Vacuum or wipe floors in rooms and hallways
- Empty trash can before overflowing
These are not excessive requirements – it is the minimum that every roommate expects from the other. Anyone who comes home tired even after a twelve-hour day and finds a dirty kitchen knows how unpleasant it is. Mutual consideration starts right here.
Final cleaning when moving out
Regardless of whether regular cleaning was carried out during the stay, a thorough final cleaning is usually required when moving out. What is meant by this is usually in the rental agreement. The usual thing is to wipe the floors, clean the sanitary facilities, clean the kitchen including the fridge, clean the windows and remove all personal items.
Anyone who has rented a fitter’s apartment directly from the landlord should make sure that the condition of the apartment corresponds to what was agreed upon when moving in. Photos when moving in and out are an easy way to avoid misunderstandings and document your own effort.
Maintenance – What landlords have to do
While tenants are responsible for the cleanliness during the stay, the maintenance of the accommodation is always with the landlord. This means: defective heaters, broken windows, non-functioning electrical devices or leaking water pipes have to be repaired by the landlord – in a reasonable time.
This is particularly relevant for fitter apartments because the objects are heavily used. High tenant fluctuation, intensive use of the kitchen and bathroom and changing user habits leave traces. A good landlord knows this and maintains his properties regularly – not only between tenancies, but also during ongoing bookings.
Reporting obligation in the event of defects
Tenants are obliged to report damage and defects immediately. This not only applies to self-inflicted damage, but also to defects that arise without any intervention of your own – such as a water stain on the ceiling, a defective socket or a clamping door. Anyone who ignores or doesn’t ignore such problems risks being held jointly responsible if the damage expands.
The notification should always be made in writing – by message or e-mail – so that both sides have proof. This protects the tenant and allows the landlord to react quickly.
Small repairs – who pays what?
A common question: Who covers the costs for small repairs? In many leases there is a so-called small repair clause. It determines the amount of up to the amount of rent for repairs on certain items – for example on taps, light switches or door handles. Amounts between 75 and 150 euros per individual repair are usual.
Important: Such clauses are only effective if they are clearly and clearly formulated. If in doubt, it is worth reading or asking the lease carefully. Anyone who would like to inquire directly about repairs and clarify any ambiguities on the subject of repairs should do so before signing the contract.
Special challenges in communal accommodation
In the case of fitter accommodation for working columns or group accommodation with several residents, there are their own challenges. The kitchen, bathroom and hallway are used more intensively than in individual accommodation – and the question of who cleans what and when is more difficult to coordinate.
A simple plaster plan, which is discussed when moving in and hung up in a clearly visible place, has proven its worth. It doesn’t have to be complicated – a rotating weekly service for the kitchen and bathroom in turn is sufficient in most cases. What counts is not the form, but the commitment.
Maintenance is also becoming more important in group accommodation: more people mean more wear and tear. Landlords who offer accommodation for craftsmen teams should therefore check and maintain their properties at shorter intervals – this is ultimately in the interest of everyone involved.
Cleaning and maintenance are not an issue that you regulate and then forget. They accompany every stay from start to finish – and clearly show how professionally a tenancy is organized. If you make clear agreements here, you save yourself trouble and ensure that temporary living works for all sides.