For a harmonious home – house rules, tenancy agreement and handover protocol

The house rules – for good cooperation

Whether it's cleaning the stairs, sorting rubbish or organising pets, it's impossible for several people to live together under one roof without a certain amount of order. If all residents show consideration for each other, everyone feels comfortable. Sample house rules can provide good orientation when it comes to defining the basic rules for good coexistence.

You can download the free template from the German Tenants' Association as a PDF here: House rules (65kB)

By the way:
House rules typically include regulations on avoiding noise, quiet times or times for the use of communal areas such as the laundry room or drying room. A cleaning schedule for the stairwell or hallway can also be set out in the house rules. However, house rules may not impose any obligations on tenants that go beyond the rental agreement. House rules can regulate how the stairwell is to be cleaned, but not that tenants are obliged to clean the stairwell.

The tenancy agreement – protection from pitfalls

Are you planning to move soon? With a legally flawless tenancy agreement, you won't experience any nasty surprises as a tenant later on. Use a free sample contract as a guide, which will give you the security of knowing that you won't stumble across unfavourable clauses and unnecessary financial burdens later on. The Cologne Tenants' Association can help. Tenancy agreement (96kB)

Tips for moving
Do you know your rights and obligations as a tenant? Find out more in our Tenant knowledge from A-Z!