Furnished Rentals: Tenant Rights in Germany

For tenants in Germany, furnished rentals raise specific points to watch in the lease, deposit and utility charges. This guide explains in plain language what rights and obligations you have as a tenant, how to report defects, when rent reduction may apply and what to check in fixed-term agreements. Many disputes can be avoided by documentation, a clear inventory list and timely communication. If a legal dispute arises, local courts and higher courts often decide issues like termination protection, eviction or utility billing.^[1]

What counts as a furnished rental?

Furnished does not only mean a bed and a table: it depends on whether the interior enables use as a dwelling. Small extras like cutlery or a vacuum cleaner are less relevant, a fully equipped apartment is. At handover, keep a written inventory list with photos to avoid later disputes.

Important lease clauses

Check specifically:

• Whether furniture fees are shown separately or included in the rent.
• Whether the contract is fixed-term and the reasons for the term.
• Provisions on the deposit: amount, placement and repayment.
• Inventory and handover protocol including meter readings and existing defects.

Rights for defects and rent reduction

If furniture or fittings are defective or the apartment is impaired (e.g. heating failure, mold), you must report the defect to the landlord immediately and set a deadline for remediation. For significant impairments, rent reduction may apply; assessment and start depend on severity and duration.^[1]

Termination, fixed-term and return

For fixed-term furnished subleases, the contract's deadlines apply; for open-ended contracts the statutory notice periods are decisive. On return, tenants should hand back the apartment broom-clean and with full inventory, otherwise the landlord may claim compensation.

Deposit guidance

Often the deposit is used for damage to furniture or fittings. Record in writing how damages are identified and assessed. Keep payment receipts and handover records to contest later deductions.

FAQ

Can the landlord charge higher rent for furnished rooms?

Yes, furniture value can influence rent, but any extra fee must be transparent and comprehensible.

When is a rent reduction possible?

For significant impairments of the apartment if the landlord does not remedy timely; the amount depends on scope and duration of the defect.

Who decides disputes like eviction or rent arrears?

Usually local courts (Amtsgerichte); higher instances include regional courts or the Federal Court of Justice for appeals.^[2]

How-To

1. Create a detailed handover protocol with photos and an inventory list at move-in.
2. Report defects in writing and set a reasonable deadline for the landlord to fix them.
3. Keep records of all payments and receipts for deposit and utilities.
4. Observe notice periods in the contract and plan return formalities in good time.

Help and Support

• Gesetze im Internet (BGB, ZPO) for legal texts
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) decisions
• Justice Portal Germany (local courts)

1. [1] German Civil Code (BGB) – gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) – gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice – bundesgerichtshof.de
4. [4] Justice Portal Germany – justiz.de