|
|
| |
| |
Answers on frequently asked questions about the tenancy of furnished flats, dwellings and rooms
Who needs shortterm accommodation?
As a tenant, can I sublet my apartment through the HomeCompany?
Who can let a dwelling through the HomeCompany?
Is a furnished tenancy interesting for investors?
Does the HomeCompany take care of my property when Im away?
How am I insured as a landlord?
How is the deposit paid?
Who needs short-time accommodation?
Most of our clients are people are looking for furnished dwellings for a few weeks, months or years for professional reasons. Engineers, computer specialists, consultants and project organiser from worldwide companies as well as trainees and students from regional industries. (see also our references)
Many are highly qualifies specialists, working on a specific project for well-known companies. These international clients look for appropriate accommodation through us.
Independently of the budget available for renting a dwelling, nowadays - especially in economically difficult times - not only private customers but also companies pay attention to a balanced price-performance ratio.
 to the top
As a tenant, can I sublet my apartment through the HomeCompany?
Many tenants do not need their apartment all the time, are often away on business or on long holidays or do not need all rooms in the apartment. Subletting the completely furnished apartment or a room can be a good opportunity as it provides security against housebreaking and an extra source of income.
Permission from the landlord is required for subletting. The landlord should be informed and should agree to it in writing.
to the top
Who can let a dwelling through the HomeCompany?
owners
investors
tenants (only with permission from the landlord)
Which are the most important criteria for the letting of furnished dwelling?
Furnishing:
completely furnished arrangement in "live-finished" condition in better furnished responding optics and functionality to very good quality.
Locality:
preferred searched are areas with a good transport connection, central areas and good neighbourhoods.
Rent:
The rent is based on the price level customary in a given place and , all additional costs should be included; the deposit is based on furnishing and on the period of rent. It may not exceed 3 months rent!
Would you like to have further information or individual consultation? We will gladly help you. Please call us to make an appointment.
to the top
Is a furnished tenancy interesting for investors?
Here we have collected some of the most important parameters:
Higher return
Furnished rentals usually produce a higher rate of return (see also: Landlords > Rents). However, the rent is therefore much more subject to market forces, with fluctuations of up to +/- 20 or 30 %
Availableness
The tenant is usually in a city for the period of a project so the rental period is limited (on average 3 to 12 months). The landlord has the advantage that the property is always accessible. This is a good argument for landlords planning to sell or to occupy the apartment.
High flexibility
Furnished rentals demand much more flexibility from the landlord and the Homecompany than unfurnished rentals. It is a constant challenge to meet the changing wishes and expectations of the tenants.
Would you like to have further information or individual consultation? We will gladly help you. Please call us to make an appointment.
to the top
Does the HomeCompany take care of my property when I'm away?
If possible landlords prefer to show the properties to the prospective tenants themselves, as they know the property and can present it best. At this opportunity, they can receive an impression of the prospective tenant.
You can charge us with the viewings if you are not able to be on site. It is our goal to make the rental process go smoothly. Viewings and the issue of a tenancy agreement are free of charge as part of our services for landlords.
Furthermore we see ourselves as serving both the landlord and the tenant throughout the tenancy. It is our priority to work for the satisfaction of both parties.
to the top
How am I insured as a landlord?
Choosing the right tenant
As a basic principle, every prospective tenant must register with us by completing an application form with exact personal details. We are able to find suitable dwelling offers according to this profile. You will benefit from our extensive business experience in finding tenants but the final decision will be yours. You should keep in mind that choosing the right tenant is the most valuable safeguard.
Deposit
As a security measure, we recommend that you ask for a deposit for each tenancy. The amount of the deposit should be between 1 and 2 months rent. This amount usually does not cover the entire value of the furnishing, but it is enough to encourage the tenant to handle the furniture with care. A deposit of 3 months rent (maximal amount legally allowed) is rarely asked for or paid.
Damages
Except for minor losses which are covered with the deposit, the damage rate lies under 1%. Whether contents insurance is necessary or not, depends on the value of the furniture. Please notify your insurer if you have contents insurance and a new tenant. Most insurance companies are not liable when the property is sublet, but they are usually available for negotiations. The tenant should be insured against third-party risk.
Damages to third parties
Please make sure that your tenant is insured against third-party risk. If your tenant causes damage to the property of a third person i.e. the owner of another apartment in the building, his liability insurance must pay. However, the liability insurance however will not pay for damages in your apartment.
When the tenant is not liable
If for example electrical appliances need to be repaired during the tenancy the landlord is usually liable for the costs unless he can prove beyond doubt, that the tenant is at fault.
Sources of danger in the apartment
At the top of the list is anything to do with water. If there is a washing machine in the apartment make it absolutely clear to the tenant that the water for the washing machine must be turned off whenever the washing machine is not in use.
to the top
How is the deposit paid?
bankbook
This is the most popular way of providing a deposit for an unfurnished flat. It is not very practical however for relatively short lets, but usual for furnished apartments. A small sum must usually be paid by the tenant at the end of the tenancy i.e. for cleaning costs. But it is very time consuming for a landlord to take the sum directly from the savings book. Alternatively, a bill can be sent to the tenant and the landlord return the savings book only then when the bill has been paid. The tenant however is often no longer living in Germany, once the apartment has been vacated. Ultimately, a savings account for the deposit is only recommendable when the rental period is longer than 12 months.
Banker's guarantee
This is the most preferred form of deposit, although most banks have recently increased their fees. The guarantee must be properly drawn up and should not expire immediately at the end of the tenancy. Problems can occur when the tenant repeatedly extends the rental period. In such a case it is best to insist on a guarantee for an indefinite period. The costs for a banker's guarantee are paid by the tenant.
Letter of indemnity
For well-known companies, a letter of indemnity included in the tenancy agreement is sufficient. Most companies prefer this form of deposit or even stipulate it as a condition for the finalisation of a tenancy agreement. This is the most uncomplicated form of deposit, but it has the disadvantage that in case of damage, the landlord has to provide evidence in order to receive the money.
Cash payment into the landlord's bank account
Because of the relatively short rental periods of furnished accommodation (mostly 2-6 months) the deposit is usually paid directly into the landlord's bank account and is returned to the tenant in cash at the handover of the apartment, or transferred to the tenant's bank account within 3 weeks of the end of the contract.
This simplified procedure has proved in practise to be of most efficiency, as the tenant can often move into the apartment 1 or 2 days after initial viewing and the deposit can be returned without delay at the end of the tenancy, which is preferable for the tenant.
to the top
| | |
|
|
