Understanding Important Clauses in the Rental Contract

Landlords often give prospective tenants rental contracts to sign which contain advantages for the landlord and disadvantages for the tenant! Make sure that you read any rental contract carefully and check whether there are any clauses which are invalid or unfair. Generally, any clause in a rental contract which states that a decision of the rental committee or civil law is not applicable to the contract, is an unfair clause and as such invalid.

Any contract clauses which refer to the use of the rental property should be checked thoroughly to ensure that items such as bicycles, prams and wheelchairs can be left in corridors and entrance halls if necessary. However, if this practise is allowed check that it does not contravene any fire and safety rules: it is important to ensure that escape routes are left clear at all times.

There may be a clause in the rental contract that a tenant who loses their keys is liable to pay a fine. However, you are not usually required to pay a charge if you had no way to prevent the loss, for example if your keys were stolen.

If you wish to rent a property which is in need of renovation, make sure that there are no clauses in the contract which demand specific renovations, nor a specific renovations timetable to which you must adhere.