How to check a rental contract: a room-by-room guide

Your rental contract determines your living situation for the next year or more. Yet most tenants spend more time choosing the apartment than reading the lease. Here is a practical checklist covering the clauses that cause the most disputes.

The basics

Confirm the names of all parties, the exact address including floor and apartment number, the start date, the monthly rent amount, what is included in charges, and the lease duration. Any errors here can cause problems later.

Deposit

How much is the deposit? When will it be returned? Under what conditions can the landlord make deductions? Does the amount comply with local law? In France it is maximum one month for unfurnished, in Germany three months cold rent, in Luxembourg three months.

Notice period

How much notice must you give to leave? How much notice must the landlord give to terminate? Are there specific conditions under which early termination is allowed? In many jurisdictions, tenants in certain situations (job transfer, health reasons) have the right to shorter notice.

Maintenance and repairs

Who is responsible for what? Generally tenants handle minor maintenance (changing light bulbs, keeping drains clear) and landlords handle structural repairs and major systems (heating, plumbing, roof). Watch for clauses that shift major repair costs onto the tenant.

Subletting

Can you sublet if you travel for work? Can you have flatmates? Many leases prohibit subletting entirely. If flexibility matters to you, negotiate a subletting clause before signing.

Move-in and move-out inspection

Insist on a detailed inventory (etat des lieux, Uebergabeprotokoll) at move-in. Take dated photographs of every room, every mark, every scratch. This is your primary evidence if there is a deposit dispute at move-out.

Prohibited clauses

Many jurisdictions prohibit certain clauses even if they appear in the lease. In Germany, rigid cosmetic repair timelines are void. In France, requiring professional cleaning regardless of condition is void. Check your local tenant protection laws.