Small space with a big effect – balcony and terrace as an oasis of well-being

Especially in the hustle and bustle of the city, your own little oasis of well-being is worth its weight in gold, but balconies are usually rare and space is limited. With the help of many small tricks, the transformation of a simple balcony into a very special place despite limited space is very simple. Those who are lucky enough to have a terrace can make use of many great elements to make the most of the given space and design it in the best possible way.

You do not have a balcony or terrace but a garden? No problem, because we show you how to plan and design the garden properly!

Building a stone terrace yourself – a new look for the garden

The foundation stone for any terrace is a beautiful subsoil. A patio stone is particularly suitable, as it is very easy to maintain and visually appealing. In summer, this can be walked on barefoot and a barbecue, patio furniture or a sun lounger can also find a comfortable place here. The dimensions are individually very different and can be well adapted to the circumstances. Building a stone terrace is possible on your own, but is very easy with the help of 1-2 assistants. The video explains step by step how the construction of a stone terrace becomes a success.

• A stone terrace is easy to maintain and visually appealing
• The construction is relatively simple, but time consuming.
• A stone terrace is a good way to landscape the garden and create a surface

Redesigning a city terrace – with a few simple steps to the goal

A city terrace is a true luxury, because in the city there is usually little space for green areas or terraces and balconies replace the function of these. If a city terrace is available, it is of course ideal for creating an oasis of well-being and finding some peace in the hectic city life. The design should always be adapted to the individual circumstances. In the video, experts show how the design of such places simply succeeds, which elements can be used well and how the own style can flow into the design. The modern design with matching elements helps to transform the given space into your own living oasis.

• Simple design elements create a modern living oasis in the middle of the city
• Urban terraces are becoming increasingly rare and should therefore be used to their full potential

Decorative ideas for balcony and terrace – small things with a big effect

A balcony is a basic requirement for many when looking for an apartment, and with good reason. The balcony can be an oasis of calm and offer a place to relax, especially in the summer. However, the design is very important to ensure that the small outdoor area is harmonious and coherent. Depending on the size and conditions of the balcony, a wide variety of elements can be combined to make the most of the available space. In the video, many great suggestions and ideas are given for designing a balcony. From the use of a mini herb bed to lanterns and candles to create the right mood.

• The right design of the balcony can turn the small outdoor area into a feel-good oasis
• Many elements can be realised even in a small space

Renew the wooden terrace – start the summer without splinters

Wooden terraces have a very beautiful visual aspect. Unfortunately, wooden terraces also have the property to rot with time, to become a splinter trap or to lose the beautiful visual aspect through weathering. From time to time, wooden terraces must therefore be renewed, as the function and the optical aspects are lost. When renewing, care should always be taken to know the cause of the defects so that they are not done again. The selection of the right wood is also an indicator of success and visually very crucial.

• Wood is visually very appealing, but must be renewed after a certain time
• Defects in the construction can quickly damage the wood and thus cause it to rot

Build your own privacy screen – enjoy the summer relaxed and undisturbed

A privacy screen is particularly often useful on balconies or ground-floor terraces to maintain some privacy. To ensure that the privacy screen also fits well with the design of the balcony, it should be well coordinated and visually appealing. Plants provide a great privacy screen as they echo nature and are visually striking. The video shows how a privacy screen with plants can be easily built yourself and how simple it can be used for balconies as well as for terraces in a modern way.

• A privacy screen preserves privacy on the balcony
• Visually, a privacy screen can become a design element and contribute to decoration
• Plants offer a great privacy screen and additionally pick up on nature

The best balcony tips – many ideas for small space

To take advantage of the small space on a balcony, there are many different options. From extra small tables to special flower boxes and a balcony outdoor shower. The right elements do not make the balcony look cluttered, but complement the space optimally. Barbecues, sunbathing or other activities are thus made possible and the optimal use of the space is ensured. In the video there are many different tips on how to use and design the balcony optimally.

• The right design is especially important for small areas, such as the balcony.
• Great tips and special designs help to arrange the elements on the balcony properly

Mini garden pond for balcony and terrace – the small oasis in the city apartment

A garden pond creates a great atmosphere and contributes a lot to the visual aspect of the garden. Since on a balcony or terrace the conditions for a pond are not present, there is a mini pond that is optimal for small spaces. The atmosphere of a pond is maintained and can be used in limited space. The video explains step by step how to install and build the mini pond.

• Bringing the atmosphere of a pond to the balcony or terrace
• The mini version has a great effect and enhances the spatial conditions

Small balconies new design – simple and effective ideas

Especially in spring, the balconies are basically cleaned and redesigned. New plants, new decoration and especially a new fresh look for the summer. Beautiful flowers are an important part of this process, as they herald the spring and bring new life into the room. But the right furniture and the right accessories are also important, so that in the end all elements lead to a great result. In the video, the experts explain which flowers are the right ones, how they are best transplanted and designed.

• Redesigning the balcony in spring is an exciting process that heralds the new season
• Fresh flowers and a new look contribute to the design of the balcony

Terminate rental agreement – deadlines, delivery and special termination rights

You want to expand, move to a new city or have to change your location for professional reasons. All reasons to cancel the rental apartment and start something new. But this is not as easy as you think, because there are many things to consider. From notice periods and special termination rights to tenant clauses and forms of termination.

The lease agreement – how to terminate it and what it may contain

The rental agreement is the most important document between tenant and landlord. However, what the rental agreement contains is hardly regulated by law and is primarily subject to the contracting parties. The points that are not found in a rental agreement are regulated by the German Civil Code (BGB). When signing the lease, however, caution is called for, because there are often hidden clauses that are not permitted at all. Particularly with the topic notice there are exact defaults. The example that probably most often leads to disputes is the waiver of notice, because it may not be set for a longer period than four years. If it is nevertheless, it is legally invalid. Also further regulations of the BGB say special rules with the lease. According to this, the deposit may not be higher than three months’ rent. So before signing a rental agreement, find out exactly what is allowed and what is not.

If the time has come and the apartment is to be terminated, there are some formalities to be observed. Mistakes can make the termination ineffective and in the end lead to you having to pay double rent. The most important points that should be included in a notice are:

• The date on which notice is given
• Name and address of both landlord and tenant
• Explicit reference to the wish to terminate the contract
• Signature of all rental parties
• Exact address and concrete designation of the rental object
• Withdrawal of direct debit mandate (if any)
• Note on the return of the deposit (if deposited)
• Agreement on the handover of the apartment + acceptance (incl. Is it a good investment? Find out: investment property. protocol)
• Request for a written confirmation of the termination
• Separately rented parking spaces must be cancelled individually

Notice periods: What are they?

The notice periods are normally relatively simple. For tenants with an open-ended lease, the usual three months’ notice applies, regardless of how long the tenant has lived there. Furthermore, the letter of termination must have reached the landlord by the third working day of a month. Tenants do not even need to give a specific reason for giving notice in this case. A later receipt will only result in a delay of one month. Tenants in such a tenancy can only make use of the termination without notice in special exceptional cases. These include, for example, emergencies such as severe mold infestation in the apartment or a sustained disturbance of domestic peace. Landlords have it in comparison much more difficult to terminate the tenant. They need a legally recognized reason for termination. Such reasons can be very different and range from use of the premises by the tenant contrary to the contract (e.g.: unauthorized renting to third parties) to disregard of the house rules or non-payment of rent. These reasons are legally recognized as grounds for termination without notice. If the landlord cannot prove that the tenant has acted in breach of contract, the tenant can only be terminated in special cases, e.g. in the case of personal need. The notice periods for termination by the landlord are based on the duration of the tenancy. In the case of a tenancy of up to five years, the normal three-month notice period applies. If the tenancy has been in place for more than five years, the notice period is six months. A tenancy of more than eight years results in a notice period of nine months.

Termination of the lease – deliver correctly

The German Civil Code (Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch, BGB) states that termination of a tenancy agreement must be in writing (§ 568 BGB). However, this is not as simple as it may sound. E-mails, telegrams and faxes are inadmissible and are not recognised. The safest way is to send a notice of termination by registered mail with advice of receipt, because this way you can prove the termination in case of dispute. In general, however, it is better to be on the safe side when giving notice. Do not send them at the last minute, but rather a little in advance to meet all deadlines fairly. Especially when sending the letter by mail, it can always be that the recipient is not there and he therefore only receives a pick-up note. However, the notice is not considered delivered until the letter has been picked up. Another important formality is the signature under the notice. If this is not present from all tenants, the notice is not valid and you cannot be prosecuted.

Special termination rights

Special termination rights can, as the name suggests, only be used in special cases. These are always dependent on the respective rental agreement and the exact situation. The most common are:

Announcement of a modernization

when a modernisation is announced, the tenant has special rights of termination against the landlord. Example: If a modernization is announced in August, the tenant can give notice until September 30. The contract would then end on 30 October.

Rent increase to the local comparative rent

in the event of an impending rent increase, the tenant also has special rights. The period of notice is reduced to two months for him.

Rent increase for social housing

if the rent is increased in social housing, the tenant has the right to a shortened notice period. This is in this case one month

Death of the tenant

Should a tenant die, the tenancy does not end automatically. Life partners, spouses or heirs have one month to decide whether or not to continue the tenancy. If you decide not to, the three-month notice period applies.

Providing a new tenant – Advantageous for the tenant

Depending on the situation, it may be advantageous for the tenant to provide a new tenant. If the tenancy is no longer sustainable for the tenant due to a change of job or a change of life situation such as a child and too small living space, the tenant can provide a new tenant. However, it is a fact that the landlord does not have to accept every new tenant. The landlord must agree to the proposed new tenant. Another advantage arises when items such as the fitted kitchen or similar are to be taken over, because the tenant can clarify this directly with the next tenant and thus save money and time.