Apartment Handover: What Does 'Broom-Clean' Mean?
Legal Overview and Tips for Apartment Handover
During apartment handovers, the term "broom-clean" repeatedly leads to discussions. Tenants returning a rented apartment aim to hand it over in good condition – but what does that specifically mean? A report by SRF News summarized the most important rules concerning this term.
What Does "Broom-Clean" Mean?
"Broom-clean" is not a legal term with a fixed definition. The law only states that the tenant must return the property in a condition that corresponds to proper wear and tear. In practice, the term "broom-clean" has become established for this.
According to SRF Espresso: "Broom-clean means that an apartment must be swept and free of coarse dirt." This implies: The floor must be swept or vacuumed, and all personal belongings must be removed. However, wallpaper, walls, and floors may show signs of normal use.
What is Still Acceptable
The decisive question is whether damages result from normal wear and tear or if the tenant treated the apartment carelessly. Minor scratches on the parquet, furniture marks on the carpet, or darkened areas behind pictures are generally acceptable. This differs in cases of gross neglect.
The report further states: "If the oven is heavily burnt or the shower has thick limescale deposits, many landlords demand special cleaning." Precisely these points often lead to disputes. Therefore, clarifying expectations before the handover is worthwhile.
Tips for the Handover
To avoid problems at the end, tenants should plan a thorough cleaning before moving out. This includes cleaning the kitchen and bathroom. However, no one needs to carry out a renovation – that would be the landlord's responsibility.
A handover protocol helps avoid discrepancies. Together with the landlord, document the apartment's condition and take photos. An early inquiry about specific cleaning expectations prevents unpleasant surprises.
Those needing support can find help from the Mieterinnen- und Mieterverband (Tenants' Association) or the conciliation authority. A calm conversation often achieves more than a formal letter. Important: "Broom-clean" does not mean "renovated." Normal traces are acceptable, but massive dirt is not.
Finally, advice from SRF Espresso: Obtain any additional cleaning agreements in writing. This way, you can prove what was agreed upon in case of a later dispute.
