Direct debit payments for an apartment rental

Do I get the Einzugsermaechtigung at the bank? I need to give my wonderful landlady one.

Ben

I wouldn't give my Landlady an Einzugsermächtigung, a Dauerüberweisungsauftrag would do just fine. Maybe it's just me, but I don't like giving anybody permission to remove what they need from my bank account - case in question, my former internet providers "accidentally" debited over €950 from my account in one week, for a service that cost €24 every quarter, because of a computer error. They had Einzugsermächtigung. So a standing order would be my preferred method.

I don't quite understand your question. You don't have to go to a bank to do it. If you want to give it to someone, you simply make a written statement telling them that you give them permission to withdraw money from your account. That's what Einzugsermächtigung means: permission to withdraw.

You do not need to give your landlady an Einzugsermächtigung. You can just transfer the money every month or set up a Dauerüberweisung through internet banking. Or do you mean a Bankburgschaft for the deposit?

It is correct that your landlady cannot demand an Einzugsermächtigung, but giving one is not as dangerous as people make it sound. Just like with a credit card, you can veto the withdrawal (within six weeks, I think). The money will be returned to your account and the party attempting the withdrawal will be charged an administrative fee. It is then up to them to collect the money from you in another way, and of course they will also try to collect the fee from you. Einzugsermächtigung can be a lot safer than pre-paying for something because you can always get your money back.

Okay - thanks for the heads up on everything. I'm happy to give my landlady a eizenwhatsit if I have the ability to recover the money if there are any mistakes.

I think I'd avoid an Einzugsermächtigung for rent too. Safe though they are, it's most unusual for what is in essence the same payment each month. Using one for payment, of say utilities is a different matter. You get the invoice and can check it's ok, then let them take the money (or object). The Einzugsermächtigung gives your Landlady, a private person (I presume) free access to our account. If she was unscrupulous, then on your next long holiday she can wipe out your bank accoount. Of course, you can get it refunded by the bank, but why the hassle? It also might prove disadvantegous following a future dispute. She takes €1000 from your account then sends you an inflated bill for the Nebenkosten. Better she sends you the bill then you pay her the money or dispute. For the rent, at least a Dauerüberweisung (standing order) is the regular way to go. She gets the agreed rent (and only that) each month, and you can sit back in security while it happens around you.