My landlord is selling the apartment I'm renting

[AntarcticLemonade 9]

Hi everyone,

 

I was informed today that my landlord is selling the apartment I'm renting. Since I've never been in this situation before, I'm wondering what to watch out for.

In particular, I'm a bit worried about the following:

 

1) What happens with the contract? Do I need to sign a new one with the new owner?

2) What about the deposit?

3) What's with monthly payments? Is it the responsibility of my previous / new landlord to indicate new bank credentials and due date in the new contract?

 

If anyone has been in this situation before, it would be nice if you could share your experience.

 

Thanks!

[jeba 4,341]

By law, the new owner has to take over all rights and obligations of the old one. Usually, it is not in your best interest to sign a new lease and you can't be forced to.

[fraufruit 41,928]

Please join your local Mietverein if you haven't done already. It isn't expensive and they will advise you on the latest laws.

[AntarcticLemonade 9]

Thanks for replies. I contacted a Mietverein. They charge a little over 100 per year, and the minimum membership duration is two years. 

Not that it's too expensive, especially compared to the rent, but still.

So do I understand it right that I generally don't need to sign any additional papers?

Although I though that at least there should be some written document confirming the change of bank credentials.

[fraufruit 41,928]

9 minutes ago, AntarcticLemonade said:

I contacted a Mietverein. They charge a little over 100 per year, and the minimum membership duration is two years. 

Not that it's too expensive, especially compared to the rent, but still.

 

Try hiring a lawyer for one case.

[AntarcticLemonade 9]

It turned out I misunderstood the situation. The apartment hasn't been sold yet; rather it will be for sale.

But then I'm wondering, since my landlord will probably want to show the apartment to prospective buyers, is there some minimal obligation as to how often I should let them in?
In general I can do it a couple of time, but I wouldn't want to fill my calendar with appointments that are of no interest for me.
Thanks!

[AntarcticLemonade 9]

2 minutes ago, fraufruit said:

 

Try hiring a lawyer for one case.

I did. For something completely unrelated. One appointment cost about 200 euros. 

[fraufruit 41,928]

So 2 years of Meitverien for one question. Do you think you won't need any more legal advice in your renting years? Especially now when your landlord is selling your flat. 

 

Anyway, up to you.

 

Best of luck.

[AntarcticLemonade 9]

Just now, fraufruit said:

So 2 years of Meitverien for one question. Do you think you won't need any more legal advice in your renting years? Especially now when your landlord is selling your flat. 

 

Anyway, up to you.

 

Best of luck.

I honestly don't know. I didn't need legal advice related to renting in over ten years of living in Germany. But that said, I've never been in this situation before.

[jeba 4,341]

18 minutes ago, AntarcticLemonade said:

It turned out I misunderstood the situation. The apartment hasn't been sold yet; rather it will be for sale.

But then I'm wondering, since my landlord will probably want to show the apartment to prospective buyers, is there some minimal obligation as to how often I should let them in?
In general I can do it a couple of time, but I wouldn't want to fill my calendar with appointments that are of no interest for me.
Thanks!

How often you have to allow viewing is usually part of your lease contract.  If not, this may be of interest:

https://www.anwalt-suchservice.de/rechtstipps/wohnungsbesichtigung_muss_ich_kaufinteressenten_einlassen_23426.html

[AntarcticLemonade 9]

3 minutes ago, jeba said:

How often you have to allow viewing is usually part of your lease contract.

I don't think it's in there. Is there a law that applies in this case?

[jeba 4,341]

Just now, AntarcticLemonade said:

I don't think it's in there. Is there a law that applies in this case?

See my edited posting above

[fraufruit 41,928]

13 minutes ago, AntarcticLemonade said:

Is there a law that applies in this case?

 

We are not lawyers here. Hence, Mietverein.

 

Be prepared for your landlord to show your flat to potential buyers. This is unless someone is buying the whole building sight unseen. You have rights about when to allow viewings. Some landlords are not considerate about this. You need to know your rights.

[AntarcticLemonade 9]

I looked up the link - it actually seems quite useful.
Perhaps I should think about Mietverein once the landlord demands excessively frequent viewings.

So far no problem.

 

Anyway, Thanks for the answers!

[fraufruit 41,928]

If memory serves, Mietverein may not handle existing problems unless you are already a member. By that I mean you can't join for existing problems. I may be wrong. Someone will correct me. 

[MikeMelga 7,240]

Aren't you offered a first buy opportunity?

[LeonG 14,795]

5 hours ago, fraufruit said:

If memory serves, Mietverein may not handle existing problems unless you are already a member. By that I mean you can't join for existing problems. I may be wrong. Someone will correct me. 

 

As far as I know you can join and they will advise you but they will not help you in court.

 

14 hours ago, AntarcticLemonade said:

1) What happens with the contract? Do I need to sign a new one with the new owner?

2) What about the deposit?

3) What's with monthly payments? Is it the responsibility of my previous / new landlord to indicate new bank credentials and due date in the new contract?

 

1) The new owner overtakes the existing contract. You don't have to sign a new one. The new landlord may want you to but you can refuse.

2) The new landlord should get the deposit from the old one.

3) You should get a letter from your new landlord telling you as of which date they are taking over and the account number to pay your rent.