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Sell an apartment with a tenant: Rights, obligations & special considerations

Laura — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 05:04:50 +0000

Selling an apartment with a tenant – selling a rented condominium can be a profitable way to free up capital, reinvest tied equity, or strategically restructure a portfolio. However, the process comes with significant peculiarities: tenant rights, notice period restrictions, right of first refusal, and a significantly smaller pool of potential buyers lead in practice to price reductions of 20 to 35 percent compared to selling an empty property. Find all the details about the entire process in our Real Estate Sales Guide. In this article, you will learn what rights tenants have, how to find the right buyer, what tax pitfalls to watch out for, and how to achieve a market-appropriate price despite the rental agreement.

Selling an apartment with a tenant: What you need to know

The sale of a rented apartment is significantly more complex than the sale of an empty property. From the protection against termination under § 566 BGB to the tenant’s right of first refusal (§ 577 BGB) and up to the waiting periods for termination due to personal need (§ 577a BGB), there are numerous legal hurdles. Moreover: The buyer pool shrinks – end-users are out, investors become the main target group. Let’s take a closer look at the most important points.

Protection against termination: Sale does not end the lease (§ 566 BGB)

Selling the apartment does not terminate the rental agreement. The central principle “sale does not end the lease” is enshrined in § 566 BGB: The new owner assumes all rights and obligations of the existing lease agreement. Rent price, notice periods, clauses regarding cosmetic repairs, modernization agreements – everything remains unchanged. The tenant still has a right to undisturbed possession of the apartment as long as they fulfill their contractual obligations.

Practically speaking: Even though the rent has been below market level for years, the new owner cannot simply adjust the contract. Rent increases are only possible within the capping limit (15–20 percent over three years) and the local comparative rent. Exactly this point leads to significant price discounts for properties that are heavily under-let.

The most important facts at a glance:

§ 566 BGB: Purchase does not terminate the lease
Buyer takes over the lease agreement including all clauses
Security deposit also transfers to the buyer (§ 566a BGB)
Rent increases are only possible within the legal framework
Seller remains responsible for outstanding rent up to the handover

Rentaler’s right of first refusal (§ 577 BGB)

When an apartment building is first divided into individual condominiums and sold to third parties, the tenant is entitled to a statutory right of first refusal. This protective mechanism is intended to prevent tenants from being evicted from their apartments through conversion and sale. Important: The right of first refusal applies only to the first sale after division – not to every subsequent resale.

This is how the right of first refusal works in practice:

Seller must inform the tenant in writing about the content of the purchase agreement
Tenant has two months to exercise the right of first refusal
Exercise of the right must be done in notarial form
Tenant enters into the same conditions as the third-party buyer
Exception: Sale to family members or household members – no right of first refusal applies here

What other special considerations should be taken into account when dividing a multi-family house, you can find out here: Selling apartments individually.

Notice protection period after conversion (§ 577a BGB)

An often underestimated point: If a rental apartment is converted into a condominium and sold, the new owner is subject to a notice protection period for personal use and value-based termination. During this period, the buyer may not terminate the lease for personal use.

Overview of the protection periods:

Federal minimum protection: 3 years from the transfer of ownership
In tight housing markets (by state regulation): up to 10 years
Applies to major cities such as Munich, Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Frankfurt
The period begins with the registration of the new owner in the land register

For investors, this is neutral to positive – they want to keep the property rented out anyway. For self-occupying buyers, this lockout period can be a deal-breaker and effectively excludes this buyer group.

Lease termination agreement: The expensive, but clean solution

If you want to sell the apartment empty in order to achieve the higher self-occupying price, the lease termination agreement is often the only legally secure way. The tenant voluntarily waives his tenancy rights in exchange for a lump sum and moves out at an agreed time.

Market-standard compensation amounts:

Standard: 6 to 12 net cold rents
In tight markets: 12 to 24 net cold rents
Approximate range: 10,000 € to 50,000 €, in prime locations also significantly more
Rule of thumb: Compensation should be below the price difference between rented out and empty

Calculation example: An apartment in Munich with a cold rent of 1,200 € generates 480,000 € when rented out, and 620,000 € when vacant. Difference: 140,000 €. A severance payment of 30,000–50,000 € is economically sensible here, as net additional revenue of 90,000–110,000 € remains.

Landlord’s Right to View

Whether it’s a duplex apartment or a micro apartment – if you want to sell your apartment, you are allowed to arrange viewings. However, the right to view is clearly limited. The landlord must respect the tenant’s privacy, notify appointments in good time (usual: at least 3–4 days notice) and state the purpose.

What the courts consider reasonable:

Maximum one viewing per week
Weekdays between 10 and 7 pm, limited on Saturdays
Notice period: at least 24 hours, better 3–7 days
Viewing duration: max. 30–45 minutes per appointment
Group viewings with multiple interested parties are allowed, but not mandatory

Tip from practice: Offer the tenant a small reimbursement (e.g. 50–100 € per appointment) or a one-time compensation. This significantly reduces conflicts and ensures cooperative appointments.

Private users: Termination due to personal need

Requirements for a valid termination due to personal need

If the landlord needs the apartment for themselves or close relatives, a termination due to personal need is possible – but only under strict conditions. A general statement is not sufficient; the need must be specifically and verifiable.

Who counts as “close relatives”:

Spouses, registered life partners, children, parents
Siblings, grandparents, grandchildren
In-laws, in-law children (under certain circumstances)
Caregivers for family members in the household

Notice periods in case of personal need

The statutory notice periods depend on the rental duration:

Rental duration up to 5 years: 3 months notice period
Rental duration 5 to 8 years: 6 months
Rental duration over 8 years: 9 months
In case of conversion: additional 3–10 year waiting period (§ 577a BGB)

Hardship clause and risks

The tenant can file an objection under § 574 BGB if the termination would cause particular hardship – for example, in cases of old age, serious illness, pregnancy or lack of alternative accommodation. In addition, caution is advised: if the stated personal need is not subsequently implemented (“fabricated personal need”), claims for damages in the five- or six-figure range may arise.

Requirements for an effective personal need termination at a glance:

Lawful, specific interest of the landlord
Personal use for themselves or close relatives
Written justification with name and reason for the need
Compliance with legal notice periods
Observance of the blackout period after conversion
Actual implementation after moving out is mandatory

Rented vs. vacant: The direct comparison

The decision “sell rented or sell vacant” has significant financial consequences. Here is a direct comparison of the most important factors:

Criterion	Rent out sell	Empty sell
Selling price	20–35 % below market value	100 % market value
Buyer group	Investors, investors	End-users + investors
Marketing duration	Often longer (3–6+ months)	Usually faster (1–3 months)
Evaluation standard	Rent multiplier / return	Comparative value / asset value
Viewing effort	High (tenant coordination)	Low (always possible)
Home staging possible	No	Yes
Risk of rental default	To be borne by the buyer	Not relevant
Negotiation room	Limited	Larger

Investors as target group: How investors think

Evaluation via the rent multiplier

While end-users buy emotionally and use comparative prices as a benchmark, investors evaluate real estate purely numerically via the rent multiplier (also: multiplier). The formula: purchase price ÷ annual net cold rent = factor.

Market factors per location:

A-locations (Munich, Hamburg city center): factor 30–45
B-locations (Dusseldorf, Stuttgart, Cologne): factor 22–32
C-locations (medium-sized cities): factor 16–24
D-locations (medium towns): factor 12–18

Example calculation: An apartment with a cold rent of 1,000 € (12,000 € per year) achieves a selling price of 420,000 € in Munich with a factor of 35, but only 264,000 € in Leipzig with a factor of 22. Anyone who is subletting should check before selling whether a legally secure rent increase is possible – every additional euro of monthly rent increases the selling price by the factor × 12.

Which types of investors are suitable?

Private investor: Seeks 1–3 properties for retirement, factor-oriented
Owner / Family Office: Buys portfolios, focuses on cash flow and location quality
Fix-and-Flip Investor: Seeks properties with potential for value increase, often with expiring rental agreements
Institutional investors: Relevant only from portfolio sizes upwards, high return requirements

Tax aspects when selling

Speculation tax (§ 23 EStG)

If an rented apartment is sold within 10 years after acquisition, speculation tax at the rate of your personal income tax rate (up to 45 % plus solidarity surcharge) applies to the profit. The period begins with the date of the notarized purchase contract – not with handover or land register entry.

Important points regarding the speculation period:

10 year holding period for rented properties

Apps real estate: recommendations for tenants, landlords & real estate investors

office@cxmxo.com — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 11:30:05 +0000

Real Estate Apps – These apps are for all apartment hunters, landlords, sellers or real estate investors. They offer tools and calculators to calculate key figures around the real estate or you can find your dream property for personal use or as an investment. All apps in an overview with the respective download link can be found in this list.

Real Estate Apps: Knowledge & News

With the following apps you will always stay up to date when it comes to real estate. Apps for beginners and for advanced users.

Real Estate Experience App

The Immobilien-Erfahrung.de app offers you all the real estate knowledge you need about capital investments, building management, upgrading, as well as financing and management. With the practical calculators, you can find out about ancillary purchase costs and many other key figures. In the real estate wiki, you will find over 1,000 technical terms simply explained.

Is the app free of charge?

Yes, the app is free

App Download: iOS & Android

Download from Google Play Store & Apple App Store.

IZ – Real Estate Newspaper

With IZ-Immobilienzeitung you always stay up to date with news from the German real estate industry. Find out everything about yield opportunities or investment properties in one app.

Is the app free of charge?

Yes, the app is free
Subscription needed

App Download: iOS & Android

Here you can find the app in the AppStore (iPhone) and Playstore for all Android smartphones.

House & Ground Magazine

The magazine “Haus & Grund” provides up-to-date information on topics in the real estate sector for tenants, landlords and property owners. For example, it covers political developments, news relating to tax law or tenancy law, and administrative topics. Readers have the option of marking articles with simple bookmarks and categorizing them later.

Is the app free of charge?

Yes, the app is free

App Download: iOS & Android

Here you can find the app in the AppStore (iPhone) and Playstore for all Android smartphones.

Real estate apps: online tools and calculators

With these tools, you can calculate practical key figures relating to real estate quickly and easily. From equity and return, to usable space and floor area – learn everything with these apps.

Lukinski Immo Tools

Lukinski’s Immo Tools app provides you with over 20 online tools related to real estate. In doing so, you can access a variety of practical key figures that can serve as decision-making aids or advanced knowledge. The app allows you to quickly and easily calculate savings plans for reserves, equity and return on real estate.

Is the app free of charge?

Yes, the app is free

App Download: iOS & Android

Here you can find the app in the AppStore (iPhone) and Playstore for all Android smartphones.

Rented.com

The real estate app Vermietet.de has been specially developed for landlords and property managers. The app offers a simple, secure and time-effective way to organize all aspects of property management, regardless of the type of portfolio – whether it’s a condominium or an apartment building. The app’s features include legally compliant service charge statements, secure rental agreements, valuation, and officially verified templates for reminders and rent increases.

Is the app free of charge?

Yes, the app is free

App Download: iOS & Android

Here you can find the app in the AppStore (iPhone) and Playstore for all Android smartphones.

Immocation.com

The Immocation.de app offers a simple and clear calculator that provides you with quick and precise information about the return on investment before you buy or sell a property. In addition, the app offers further tools that provide you with detailed information on the subject of real estate. Thanks to the user-friendly user interface with simple sliders, operating the app is uncomplicated.

Is the app free of charge?

Yes, the app is free

App Download: iOS & Android

Here you can find the app in the AppStore (iPhone) and Playstore for all Android smartphones.

Deka real estate funds

The Deka Immobilienfonds app provides you with comprehensive information on all important details of the Deka Group’s property funds. With this app, you have quick and easy access to information such as the unit price, property information and background information on purchases and sales. The app’s push functions keep you up to date with the latest developments.

Is the app free of charge?

Yes, the app is free

App Download: iOS & Android

Real Estate Apps: Knowledge & News

With the following apps, you will always be up to date when it comes to real estate. Apps for beginners and for advanced users.

Real Estate Experience App

The Immobilien-Erfahrung.de app offers you all the real estate knowledge around investments, property management, value enhancement, as well as financing and management. With the practical calculators you can find out purchase ancillary costs and many other key figures. In the real estate wiki you will find over 1,000 technical terms explained simply.

Is the app free?

Yes, the app is free

App Download: iOS & Android

Download in the Google Play Store & Apple App Store.

IZ – Real Estate Newspaper

With the IZ Immobilienzeitung, you will always be up to date with news from the German real estate industry. Find out everything about investment opportunities or investment properties in an app.

Is the app free?

Yes, the app is free
Subscription required

App Download: iOS & Android

Find the app here in the App Store (iPhone) and Play Store for all Android smartphones.

House & Ground Magazine

The magazine “House & Ground” provides up-to-date information on topics in the real estate industry for tenants, landlords, and property owners. For example, political developments, tax and rental law updates, as well as administrative issues are covered. Readers have the opportunity to mark articles with simple bookmarks and categorize them later.

Is the app free?

Yes, the app is free

App Download: iOS & Android

You can find the app in the AppStore (iPhone) and PlayStore for all Android smartphones.

Real Estate Apps: Online Tools and Calculators

With these tools, you can quickly and easily calculate practical figures related to real estate. From equity and return, to usable and floor area – learn everything with these apps.

Real Estate Guru (my app): Learning App & Calculator

The Real Estate Guru App offers you more than 20 online tools related to real estate. You can access a wide range of practical figures that can serve as decision-making support or advanced knowledge. The app allows you to quickly and easily calculate savings plans for reserves, equity, and return on real estate.

Is the app free?

Yes, the app is free. For calculations, we recommend: Real Estate Return.

App Download: iOS & Android

Here you can download the app in the AppStore (iPhone) and Playstore for all Android smartphones.

Vermietet.de

The Real Estate app Vermietet.de has been specifically developed for landlords and property managers. The app offers a simple, secure and time-efficient way to organize all aspects of property management, regardless of the type of portfolio – whether it is a condominium or an apartment building. Features of the app include legally secure additional costs calculations, secure rental agreements, property valuation as well as officially verified templates for reminders and rent increases.

Is the app free?

Yes, the app is free

App Download: iOS & Android

Here you can find the App in the AppStore (iPhone) and Playstore for all Android smartphones.

Download in the AppStore
Download in the PlayStore

Immocation.de

The App from Immocation.de offers a simple and clear calculator that quickly and precisely provides information about the return before buying or selling a property. In addition, the App offers further tools that provide detailed information on the topic of Real Estate. Thanks to the user-friendly interface with simple sliders, using the App is uncomplicated.

Is the App free?

Yes, the App is free

App Download: iOS & Android

Here you can find the App in the AppStore (iPhone) and Playstore for all Android smartphones.

Deka Real Estate Funds

The Deka Real Estate Funds app provides you with comprehensive information about all important details of the real estate funds of the Deka Group. With this app, you can quickly and easily access information such as the share price, property details, and background information on purchases and sales. Thanks to the app’s push notifications, you will always be up to date and can inform yourself about current developments.

Is the app free?

Yes, the app is free

App Download: iOS & Android

Yes, the App is free

App Download: iOS & Android

You can find the App in the AppStore (iPhone) and PlayStore for all Android smartphones.

Download in the AppStore
Download in the PlayStore

Fix & Flip Strategy: Buy Real Estate, Improve and Sell – Real Estate Trading

office@cxmxo.com — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 12:31:12 +0000

Fix & Flip is the king’s discipline of active real estate trading: buy cheap, target improvements, sell for a profit. Sounds simple — it’s not. Realistic net margins range between 15 and 25 percent, the holding period is between 6 and 12 months, and from the fourth sale in five years you automatically become a commercial real estate dealer. In this guide, you’ll learn how the strategy really works, what equity you need to calculate, how much you should plan for renovation per square meter, and which tax traps can cost beginners hundreds of thousands of euros. How high your equity ratio should be, you can read in the article Equity.

What is Fix & Flip? Definition, Margin & Risk

Fix & Flip describes a short-term trading strategy in which a property in need of renovation is purchased below market value, upgraded through targeted measures, and then resold for a profit after 6 to 18 months. The profit is generated from the difference between the selling price and the total investment (purchase price + purchase ancillary costs + renovation + financing + selling costs + tax).

Realistic net margins in properly calculated Fix-&-Flip projects range between 15 and 25 percent of the selling price — anything below that is not worth the risk.

In contrast to the Buy-&-Hold strategy, it is not about rental yield or long-term appreciation over decades, but about active trading — comparable to stock trading, only with significantly higher capital requirements, longer cycles, and major tax implications.

Fix & Flip vs. Buy & Hold: Direct Comparison

Criterium	Fix & Flip	Buy & Hold
Duration	6–18 months	10+ years
Profit source	Selling margin	Rent + appreciation
Equity	25–40 percent	10–20 percent
Control on profit	Totally taxable (speculation/business)	Tax-free after 10 years (private)
Time investment	Very high (active)	Low (passive)
Risk	High	Moderate
Interest sensitivity	Very high	Moderate

Advantages of Fix & Flip

The strategy allows for substantial profits to be realized in a short period of time and for equity to be increased more quickly than with any classic rental strategy. Whoever completes three successful flips within two years can potentially double their initial capital — provided the market conditions are favorable.

Rapid capital growth: Profit in 6–18 months instead of 10+ years
Scalability: Profits can be immediately reinvested into the next property
Market Experience: Intensive practical knowledge about locations, building condition, craftsmen, and buyer behavior
No Tenant Risk: No rental shortfalls, no additional costs settlements, no rental law conflicts
Control of Value Creation: You yourself determine the leverage through renovation

Disadvantages and Real Risks

Fix & Flip is not a playground for beginners — the media hype overshadows the complexity. Anyone who underestimates renovation costs, misjudges the market timing, or ignores the Control can quickly turn a 50,000 Euro profit into a 30,000 Euro loss.

Cost Explosions: Hidden defects (mold, dry rot, asbestos, structural issues) can blow budgets by 50–100 percent
Construction Delays: Every additional month costs interest, readiness fees, and opportunity costs
Market Timing: Rising interest rates or falling demand during renovation can tip the calculation
Full tax liability: Within the 10-year speculation period, the entire profit is subject to income tax
3-property limit: Starting from the fourth sale within five years, there is a risk of being classified as a commercial real estate dealer
Liquidity risk: If no buyer is found, you end up with a fully renovated but unrented property
Competition from professionals: Developers and existing property holders often have better access to off-market deals

Step 1: Find & buy a fix-&-flip property

The profit is made during the purchase — not during the sale. This trader’s wisdom is especially true in real estate trading. Whoever buys 10 percent below market value has already secured half of their margin on the day of handover. Whoever pays market price must make up for everything through renovations — and fails in 80 percent of cases.

Location strategy: Where fix & flip works in Germany

Pure A-areas (Munich, Hamburg-Eppendorf, Frankfurt-Westend) are usually too expensive for Fix & Flip — the entry prices are so high that the renovation margin no longer covers the costs. Real Fix-&-Flip goldmines are up-and-coming B- and C-areas with gentrification dynamics:

Commute belts of the top 7 cities: Commuter communities with S-Bahn connections
Second tier in metropolises: Neighborhoods directly adjacent to trendy districts
Rising medium-sized cities: Leipzig, Dresden, Magdeburg, Erfurt, Bremen, Augsburg
University cities with growth: Heidelberg, Münster, Tübingen, Regensburg

Off-Market: Where professionals really buy

You rarely find real Fix-&-Flip deals on ImmoScout — by the time a property is listed there, it has already been seen by three professional investors. Experienced flippers work differently:

Forced auctions: Court auction calendars, often 20–30 percent below market value
Heir communities: Quick sale, because multiple heirs cannot agree
Executor and Insolvency Administrator: Direct contact pays off
Direct mail contact: Write to owners of visibly vacant properties
Real estate agent network: Work with agents who know you bring cash and speed
Developer leftovers: Individual unsold units from older projects

Structural inspection: Red flags & deal-breakers

Before making an offer, have an independent building expert inspect the property — the 800 to 1,500 euro fee is the best investment you can make.

House fungus: Renovation starting at 30,000 euro — almost always a deal-breaker
Asbestos in roof, floor or facade: Special disposal, often five figures
Moisture in the basement: Drainage and external waterproofing starting at 20,000 euro
Static defects: Cracks, sagging ceilings, subsidence
Outdated electrical wiring (cable wiring): Full reinstallation 80–150 EUR/m²
Energy certificate F, G, H: GEG renovation obligations, no KfW leverage
Heritage lease instead of ownership: Reduces selling price by 20–40 percent
WEG with empty reserves: Special charges threaten
Monument protection: High additional costs, restricted renovation freedom

Fix-&-Flip financing: Banks, equity ratio & interim financing

Standard banks are reluctant to finance Fix & Flip — short holding period, no rent as capital service, high sales risk. They require either a specialized bank, a private investor or interim financing.

Equity ratio: 25 to 40 percent — significantly higher than with classic rental
Interest rates: 0.5 to 1.5 percentage points premium compared to existing financing
Repayment substitute: End-date loans are common, as repayment occurs through sale
KfW funding: Usually not usable for pure sales — remaining ownership is a prerequisite
Availability interest: 0.25 percent per month unused in case of a longer renovation period
Early repayment compensation: When selling before the end of the interest rate period — regulate contractually in advance

Read more about financing with our partners: Fix & Flip Financing.

Step 2: Enhance the property — Renovation lever with the highest margin

Not every renovation is equally profitable. Professionals invest where one euro in renovation costs brings two or three euros in value increase — and avoid measures that only burn money without impressing buyers.

Reno costs per square meter: Realistic ranges

Scope of Renovation	Cost per m²	Value Increase per m²
Cosmetic (Painting, Floors)	150–300 EUR	300–500 EUR
Moderate (Bathroom, Kitchen, Doors)	500–900 EUR	900–1.500 EUR
Core Renovation (everything except shell)	1.000–1.500 EUR	1.500–2.500 EUR
Full Renovation including shell & energy	1.500–2.500 EUR	2.000–3.500 EUR

The five measures with the highest leverage

Bathroom renovation: 8.000–15.000 EUR investment, 20.000–30.000 EUR value increase
Kitchen (open, modern): Visually the second biggest sales factor after the bathroom
Oak parquet or high-quality vinyl: Replaces carpet/laminate, enhances premium impression
Energy-efficient renovation with jump in energy certificate: From G to C is decisive for purchase
Floor plan optimization: Remove a wall for an open living-dining area, often under 5.000 EUR

What You Should NOT Do

Designer fixtures or luxury brands — buyers don’t pay the premium
Pool, sauna, full smart home equipment — narrow target audience
Taste design (eye-catching colors, exotic tiles) — neutralize radically
DIY without trade experience — costs time and reduces resale value

Deep dive: Enhance your property.

Step 3: Sale — Staging, Pricing & Timing

A professionally renovated property deserves a professional sale. Amateur phone photos and incorrect price listings can turn a 50,000-euro renovation success into dust within two weeks.

Pricing strategy: How to find the optimal asking price

Three independent appraisals: Real estate agent, expert, online tools for cross-comparison
Don’t set the price too high: More than 10 percent above market value leads to prolonged listing time and suspicion
Not too low: Too fast sales leave margin on the table — build up demand first
Check bidding procedures: In top locations with high demand, often 5–10 percent higher revenue

Home Staging & Marketing

Professional HDR photography (300–800 EUR investment, often more than 5,000 EUR additional revenue)
Drone shots for houses with gardens or special features

Operating costs: apportionable service charges, maintenance, water supply – explanation & definition

Laura — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 08:05:16 +0000

Operating costs – Which operating costs are to be paid by the tenant? And which ancillary costs do you have to take care of as a landlord? Which costs are apportionable and which are not, is defined by law. Find out more about the topic of operating costs and why you absolutely have to include them in the rental agreement!

Service charges: definition & explanation

Whether yield real estate or investment real estate, during the purchase of a house or an apartment there are always ancillary purchase costs. What many underestimate: The ongoing ancillary costs of owning a property. If you buy a rented property or do the initial letting yourself, you can pass on some of these incidental costs to the tenant.

Non-apportionable incidental costs: repair, maintenance & co.

You cannot pass on costs for craftsmen, maintenance and management to the tenant. After all, it is your responsibility as a landlord to ensure that the property meets modern safety standards and is rentable.

As the landlord, you must bear these costs yourself:

Repair costs
Maintenance costs
Administrative expenses
Bank charges

Apportionable service charges: The tenant pays

The apportionable ancillary costs are those that can be apportioned to the meter by you as the landlord. To avoid misunderstandings here, these should be agreed in the rental contract. This type of incidental costs are also called operating costs. Let’s take a closer look at them.

List of operating costs: (BetrKV) § 2

Operating costs are therefore constant ongoing public charges on the property. These are defined and regulated by law. Thus, any costs for the care and maintenance of the common areas and facilities fall into the category of apportionable service charges. Any costs for street cleaning, garbage disposal and for the chimney sweep are also paid by the tenant.

Here is a brief overview:

Water supply
Drainage
Heating system and fuels
Hot water system, supply and equipment
Connected heating and hot water supply systems
Passenger or freight elevator
Street cleaning and garbage disposal
Building cleaning and vermin control
Garden maintenance
Lighting
Chimney cleaning
Property and liability insurance
Janitor
Community antenna system
Facilities for laundry care
Other operating expenses

More about buying real estate: Operating costs

Are you buying a property that is already rented out or are you planning to rent out your newly purchased property? If you’ve never rented out a property before, you should definitely take a closer look at the different ancillary costs. Read even more on the subject here, on my new site for buyers, Immobilien-Erfahrung.de:

Apportioning operating costs to tenants (external)