My lease is ending

Is the end of your lease approaching? The next steps differ depending on whether you want to stay or move out. Below you’ll find both scenarios step by step, plus what not to forget about utilities and the flat handover.

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Leases are usually fixed-term. We recommend dealing with the end of the lease at least 3 months ahead – whether you want to stay or move out. You’ll avoid unnecessary stress and problems with utilities.

Option A

I want to stay

Wish to continue the lease? Ask us to extend it well in advance.

  1. Contact us at least 3 months before the lease ends

    Request an extension (or a new lease) in good time. The earlier the better – we can prepare everything calmly and you have the certainty of housing.

  2. Give us your contact details and current status

    We need to know who lives in the flat, the number of occupants and whether anything major has changed. Based on that we’ll prepare an amendment or a new lease.

  3. Sign the amendment or new lease

    Once the terms are agreed, we sign the extension and the lease continues seamlessly, with nothing to hand over.

Option B

I’m moving out

If the lease ends and you’re leaving, we need to arrange the handover of the flat.

  1. Get in touch with us

    Let us know you’ll be ending the lease and we’ll arrange a handover date. Without a handover and a protocol the lease cannot be properly ended or the deposit returned.

  2. We agree a handover date

    The handover usually takes place on the last day of the lease. On site we draw up a handover protocol, take all meter readings and collect the keys.

  3. Readings and keys

    We record the electricity, gas and water meter readings and you hand over all keys (including fobs and keys to the cellar, mailbox, etc.).

  4. Settlement and deposit

    After the handover and the settlement of services, we return your deposit, reduced by any arrears or damage under the lease.

Important

Utilities and meters

This is where tenants most often go wrong. Please read it carefully.

Don’t cancel the utilities yourself

Please do not cancel or transfer the gas or electricity yourself. We transfer the supply at the handover, based on the meter readings. For a smooth transfer we need a power of attorney from you (forms below) – one for electricity and one for gas.

A removed meter is paid by the tenant

If a meter (electricity or gas) has been removed – whether for non-payment or at the tenant’s own request – the tenant must arrange and/or pay for its reinstallation. Without a meter the flat cannot be handed over or the supply transferred. If you suspect a meter is missing or has been removed, contact us before the handover so we can resolve it in time.

What to prepare

Utility documents

  • Electricity supply contract
  • Gas supply contract (if you have gas)
  • Supply point numbers (EAN for electricity, EIC for gas)
  • Latest settlement / advance payments
  • Signed powers of attorney (electricity, gas)
  • ID document to sign the handover protocol
Handover

What condition to return the flat in

The flat is returned in the condition it was taken over in, allowing for normal wear and tear and subject to your lease.

  • Cleared and cleaned flat and cellar
  • Undamaged fixtures and fittings
  • Repainted, if the lease requires it
  • Working taps, valves, fittings and locks
  • Own modifications removed (unless approved)
  • All keys, fobs and remotes

Tip

Report and fix any defects before the handover. You’ll avoid having the cost deducted from your deposit. The exact obligations are governed by your lease and the Civil Code – if in doubt, get in touch.

Downloads

Forms

Hand the completed and signed forms to us at the handover or send them by e-mail.

  • Lease extension requestPDF · send at least 3 months ahead
    Request
  • Power of attorney – electricity transferPDF · to transfer the supply point
    Request
  • Power of attorney – gas transferPDF · to transfer the supply point
    Request

We’ll gladly e-mail you the forms – just ask, or get them at the handover.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

When should I request a lease extension?
Ideally at least 3 months before your current lease ends. That gives us time to prepare an amendment or a new lease and gives you the certainty of housing.
Should I cancel the electricity and gas myself? No, wait for the transfer at handover
No. Don’t cancel or transfer the utilities yourself. We transfer the supply at the handover based on the meter readings and the power of attorney you sign for electricity and gas.
What happens if a meter has been removed?
If the electricity or gas meter has been removed (for non-payment or at your own request), the tenant must arrange and/or pay for its reinstallation. Without a meter the flat cannot be handed over or the supply transferred. If you suspect a meter is missing, contact us before the handover.
What condition should I return the flat in?
Cleared, cleaned and undamaged, allowing for normal wear and tear and subject to your lease – for example repainted, if the lease requires it. All keys and fobs are returned at the handover.
When do I get the deposit back?
We return the deposit per the lease, usually within 30 days of the handover, after settling services and reducing it by any arrears or the cost of repairing damage beyond normal wear and tear.

Not sure about something?

Get in touch well ahead. We’ll plan the handover date and the utility transfer with you.

Contact the manager