Handing over an apartment at the end of a sublease is an important step that can be smooth and stress-free—if done correctly. Unfortunately, however, we often encounter problems that can prolong the process, cause unexpected costs, and, above all, unnecessarily disrupt good relationships.
In this case study, we will share specific examples from practice with you. We will show you what our former subtenants did wrong when preparing the apartment for handover – from poor painting, through neglected maintenance, to mold-infested silicone in the bathroom. Using these examples, we will advise you on how to avoid these common mistakes and ensure that the handover goes smoothly and without complications.
When preparing an apartment for handover, proper painting is key to ensuring that the apartment looks good and is in good condition. A common mistake is to paint over only small stains or damage without painting the entire wall surface. This can lead to an uneven appearance and an unprofessional result. For the paint job to be truly high-quality, it is necessary to paint the entire surface of the wall to ensure a clean and uniform appearance. This not only makes the apartment look better, but also helps you avoid problems during the apartment inspection.
The tenant tried to cover up the stain on the wall by simply repainting the affected area. However, this often leads to an uneven appearance of the wall, which is particularly noticeable under certain lighting conditions. To ensure that the paint job is done properly, it is necessary to paint the entire surface of the wall, which will ensure a uniform and professional appearance.
Silicone seals are a key element in every bathroom or kitchen, helping to keep the space hygienic and protect it from moisture. During the lease, it is important to regularly check the condition of the silicone seals and replace them if necessary. A common mistake is when subtenants leave silicone cracked or moldy, which not only detracts from the appearance of the apartment, but can also lead to damage to surfaces or the growth of mold. Before handing over the apartment, it is essential to ensure that the silicone is in good condition, clean, and free of damage, thus ensuring long life and proper functionality.
Subtenants often forget that regular apartment maintenance also includes replacing cracked or moldy silicone in the bathroom. Not only does damaged silicone look unsightly, but it can also lead to moisture penetration and mold growth, which damages the apartment. It is important to carry out this maintenance before handing over the apartment so that the space is hygienic and ready for further use.
Subtenants often confuse regular cleaning with deep cleaning. While regular cleaning involves wiping down surfaces and removing visible dirt, deep cleaning means thoroughly cleaning the apartment, including hard-to-reach places—such as washing windows, cleaning carpets, disinfecting bathrooms, or removing dirt from seals and containers on appliances such as washing machines. Failure to comply with this step can unnecessarily complicate the handover process and reduce the quality of the apartment being handed over.
Subtenants often forget to defrost and clean the freezer before handing over the apartment. An unfrozen freezer not only makes it difficult to check its condition, but may also contain old food residues or odors, which is unacceptable when handing over the apartment. The correct procedure involves completely defrosting, cleaning the interior surfaces, and ensuring that the freezer is dry and ready for further use.
Before handing over the apartment, it is important to pay attention to the maintenance of the washing machine. Subtenants often forget to clean the detergent dispensers, rubber seals, and filters. These parts can contain detergent residue, dirt, or mold, which negatively affect the hygiene and functionality of the appliance. Thorough cleaning will not only leave the washing machine in good condition, but also help ensure a smooth apartment handover process.
Mold is a common problem that needs to be addressed immediately. Not only does it affect the appearance of the apartment, but it can also have a negative impact on health. Subtenants often neglect to regularly check areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, or corners near windows. When handing over an apartment, it is essential to remove all signs of mold, clean the affected areas, and ensure that the walls are dry and well ventilated so that the problem does not return.
Before handing over the apartment, it is also necessary to pay attention to the windows and blinds. Not only do dirty or damaged blinds look unsightly, but they can also make it difficult to maintain the apartment. Subtenants often forget to clean their blinds regularly, which easily become clogged with dust and dirt. It is also important to repair damaged blinds, which can interfere with the functionality of the windows. When the windows and blinds are clean and in good condition, the handover of the apartment goes smoothly and with better results.
Limescale often builds up on shower doors, tiles, and other surfaces in the bathroom, especially in areas that come into regular contact with water. Tenants often neglect regular maintenance and cleaning of these areas, which leads to unsightly and difficult-to-remove limescale. Before handing over the apartment, it is important to thoroughly clean all affected areas and remove limescale so that the shower enclosure looks like new and is ready for further use.
Before handing over the apartment, it is important to ensure that no personal belongings are left behind. Subtenants often forget that all personal items, such as clothing, cosmetics, books, or furniture, must be removed from the apartment. Leaving these items behind can delay the handover process and complicate the inspection of the apartment's condition. Before handing over the apartment, it is necessary to thoroughly inspect all rooms and make sure that the apartment is completely empty and ready for the new tenant.
