Hi everyone,

I’m a student in Germany and I’ve run into a stressful situation with my landlady. I’d really appreciate some advice on how to handle this properly.

I’m renting a room in her house. She’s +55 divorced and the children don’t live with her.She was very nice at first but after some time she started being rude and wanting things done her way.

Basically, I had some photos taped to the wall, and when I removed them, small patches of paint came off. I informed her and offered to fix it myself, but she refused and said a professional needs to assess it and that I shouldn’t attempt any repairs.

Since the termination notice, communication has been very tense and formal. It seems that she was hoping for a tenant that would somehow behave like one of her children, go out together etc.I gave notice of leaving on March 24, and shortly after things escalated—she became very strict about everything, mentioned organizational pressure, and is now insisting on a proper handover appointment.

I decided to move my things out immediately and stay somewhere else because the situation felt uncomfortable.

Now:

• She wants to schedule the apartment handover ASAP

• She says she’ll get a quote from a specialist for the wall, but she cannot do that before the hand over (according) to her.

• She also mentioned she might lose a potential tenant because of timing

I want to:

• Close this quickly and avoid further stress

• BUT I don’t want to accidentally admit liability or agree to pay for damages without seeing the quote (or getting advice)

My questions:

1.   What should I watch out for during the handover (documents, wording, etc.)?

3.  Can I refuse to sign something if it includes an admission of damage?

4.  What is a reasonable cost for minor wall paint damage in Germany (a few small spots as seen in the picture)?

5.  Any general advice to avoid getting overcharged?

I’m trying to stay cooperative but also protect myself legally. I’m aware that I’ll have to pay April rent because of the late notice.

Thanks a lot in advance 🙏



—
Practical_Land3879

2 comments

  1. >Basically, I had some photos taped to the wall, and when I removed them, small patches of paint came off. I informed her and offered to fix it myself, but she refused and said a professional needs to assess it and that I shouldn’t attempt any repairs.

    Tenant must compensate the landlord for damage caused beyond normal use. If the tenant caused damage, the landlord has the right to proper restoration and may require it to be done professionally if necessary.

    The main point to discuss is the “normal use”. Looking at the picture and the many damages you caused – using tape on a wall is already non normal use in my eyes – I would agree with her.

    >Since the termination notice, communication has been very tense and formal. It seems that she was hoping for a tenant that would somehow behave like one of her children, go out together etc

    Formal communication is very normal in Germany. Your condescending comments are very harsh and unnecessary 

    >she became very strict about everything, mentioned organizational pressure, and is now insisting on a proper handover appointment.

    That’s normal. You can’t simply to define a term unilaterally.

    >What should I watch out for during the handover (documents, wording, etc.)?

    A protocol of every damage is made. Both sides can take pictures of those damages.

    >What is a reasonable cost for minor wall paint damage in Germany (a few small spots as seen in the picture)?

    You’ll most probably have to paint the whole wall, if you removed parts of the wallpaper, this has to be renewed as well on this wall.

  2. Generally speaking, you are not obliged to get the stuff professionally repaired, especially if you have said that you can do it yourself. This is typical a method some landlords use to claim your full deposit. I would recommend you to talk to a Mieterverein if possible. Secondly, check out my-hammer for getting a quote independently to compare if your landlord is going to overcharge.

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