Understanding Rental Contract

Hello everyone,

I am planning to move to Nürnberg from November with my wife and we have found an apartment that seems quite nice. However, as this is my first time renting an apartment here and German is not my first language, I am feeling a bit apprehensive about signing the contract without fully understanding the terms. I have translated the contract with Google Translate but found it a bit confusing. Here’s a bit about the apartment and my situation:

* The basic rent is €1050 with €200 as additional costs (Nebenkosten) for a 70m² area. [Rent](https://imgur.com/a/sk3eMhi)
* The building is old from around 1910, but the apartment has been recently renovated and is furnished.
* I intend to stay for a longer duration like 2-3 years.

I have a few specific questions that I was hoping someone could help me with:

1. **Contract Duration:** The contract mentions it is for an “indefinite period”, although I was looking to lock it down for 2 years. Is this standard practice, and could this work to my advantage?
2. **Termination Clause:** The termination clause seems a bit complex and I’m having trouble understanding the notice period required for cancellation. I know a 3 months notice period is common but I’m unsure of what it says in my contract. [Rent and Termination Clause](https://imgur.com/a/NbrdHEh)
3. **Additional Costs (Nebenkosten):** The additional charge is listed as €200, but it explicitly mentions that heating and warm water are not covered. Moreover, the contract enumerates various potential areas where this fee might be utilized, but many don’t apply in my case. Could someone help me figure out if this amount is reasonable and what it generally encompasses? Additionally, how could I go about understanding an itemized breakdown of these charges? It’s worth noting that the building doesn’t offer amenities like a garden or an elevator that would justify maintenance costs. Images: [Nebenkosten](https://imgur.com/a/qX4qu5i) and [Potential Nebenkosten](https://imgur.com/a/9eGNMm4)
4. **Appliance Repairs:** The apartment comes furnished with common kitchen appliances. In case any of these appliances need repairs or get damaged, who typically bears the cost, the tenant or the landlord? Would this be a split cost or would one party be fully responsible?

My [contract](https://imgur.com/a/qgXG02u), if you think there are other things I need to be careful about please suggest.

I would greatly appreciate any guidance or advice on these matters and your time.

Thank you so much in advance!

by vickey97