Rushrush

Www.pickwicks.de or www.internations.com would be a good starting point

    Final inspection  Had the same issue, paid someone to come in and paint ( was new when we moved in and they used flat paint, perfect for marking the walls. Anyways they painted and polished the floor. It was one of the advertisers here, English speaking contractors. Can't remember the name off hand.      Some tips I read online somewhere   When moving out, the handover procedure is the reverse of when you move in. You meet with the landlord or his/her representative and they do an inspection to see if the property has been returned to the condition in which it was originally rented. The landlord will do an inspection, take the meter readings and give you a copy of the handover protocol. Please keep a copy of this. A tiny minority of landlords will take advantage of foreigners who aren’t familiar with the rules to assess unfair damage to the rent deposit. One person said he received an email six months after moving out, stating that there was mould in the bathroom and it would cost 6000€ to fix and he was responsible. If you’re concerned that your landlord might take advantage of your situation, there are several things you can do. First, bring along a German-speaking friend who can translate for you. Secondly, make sure you note any issues on the handover document.    Remind the landlord that you’re a member of the Mieterverein and you have an appointment today (even if you don’t). Finally, ask the landlord how long will it take to return the deposit. A good landlord will return in within a few days, minus, of course, a small amount for nebenkostenabrechnung at the end of the year. Finally don’t forget to keep a copy of the handover document.

Update: She more or less admitted that they screwed up. The tax return wasn't filed on time and neither was the extension request on time. Unfortunately  Finanzamp took the money before sending the warning letter. I'm waiting for the boss to get back but I wrote him and basically said you screwed up you pay the bill. So we'll see what happens

I just went through this with my local post office, I get the same guy each time so he know me. So the first time he let it go, he put a note on the package. The second time I opened it and sealed it right there. But the other other box I taped lightly shut so I could open. It was busy so he said he'd check it later. Now here's the part I don't get. How can you ship an open box? I assume he checks it and reseals it.   Thanks 

Afterthought: beyond fastfood chains few restaurants air condition.

The last few years have seen the Eastern Seaboard and Canada are getting much longer colder winters with wet damp summers.    Noticing that A/C is much more common now. Most stores have it and a few even blast it American style. We blew the budget and installed a split system it is heaven. Cars obviously have it as standard along with novelties like cup holders etc   BTW Christmas day 1977 Gary Indiana 68F 😱 

  Yeah just spoke with my steuerbreater and she said pretty much the same thing. Also they should have gotten the letter not me. I'll update when I hear back

I'm in the same boat. The Finanzamp just took 570€ out of my bank account, it was like WTF  than today a 2 weeks later I get a letter saying it was ZwangsG and that's it. Bit of googling it looks like it's a late filing penalty. I'm freelance and I sent my Steuerbreater my tax forms spring 2108 and he still hasn't filed my taxes. I'm assuming she never filed for an extension. So assuming that's correct is there any possibility of getting that back and if not can I make my her to pay the penalty. Thanks!

Went through the same. Backpack stolen on holidays, went to get new keys cut and the locksmith said I needed to order them via the hausverwaltung. Quick email and keys are ordered

Can¡t edit, she has a German passport via her Mom, but can speak it but reading is tough, in case you wondering why I didn't just ask her

  My wife is German

Quick related question. Does anyone know where I can find who the local candidates are. Been googling but only getting info for the UK. I got the ballot but it's tough German to figure out. The only party I'm familiar with is AFD and not too keen to vote for them

My understanding is that health insurance continues as before. You paying half and the pension people paying the other half. The question comes if you have other income, do you have pay health insurance on that amount. That's where the 90% public rule comes in.   apparently there's some weird quirk in the rules that if you get a lump sum payment you have to pay the full amount 18% or what ever it is. Seen loads of complaints over that one.    Edit: if you're private it continues as before

Update: went to the doctor and he spoke great English. Ended up with a prescription for new insoles.

Just a quick question, but if you worked in several EU countries do you need to apply to each country to get the pension or do you just apply for German pension and they do the contacting on your behalf.   thanks