It’s not always the case—and probably not right now—that a planned annual vacation is the reason for a prolonged absence from an apartment or house, but don’t worry, because the next vacation is sure to come. Often, it’s business trips of varying lengths, extended stays abroad for work, hospital stays, or perhaps just a long weekend getaway that cause tenants or homeowners to leave their homes for a longer period than usual. If the apartment is unoccupied for many days, several weeks, or even months, it’s essential to take the necessary precautions. This is for safety reasons and because of the tenant’s duty of care regarding the apartment, which remains in effect even during absences and vacation periods. This includes, for example, the obligation to keep the heat on during the winter or to shut off the water supply.
The tenant's duty of care remains at home and does not go on vacation
In principle, a tenant is under no obligation to use the apartment. Tenants are therefore not required to fully furnish their apartment or to use it on a regular basis. However, the agreed-upon rent and/or utility costs must still be paid in full, even during periods of absence. Tenants are also always responsible for what is known as the duty of care. This duty remains in effect even if the tenant does not occupy the apartment for a certain period of time—whether temporarily or for a longer period—for reasons such as those mentioned above. The duty of care requires that a tenant treat the rented property with care and respect.
Notify the landlord and hand over the apartment keys to a trusted person
In general, it makes sense for a third party to have a spare key to an apartment and thus access to it. The tenant is not obligated to give the landlord a spare key. However, if a tenant is away from the apartment for an extended period of time, the landlord should definitely be informed and know who can gain access to the apartment in an emergency. Access to the apartment must be ensured for emergencies during the tenant’s temporary absence. It does not matter with whom the spare key is left. This person could be the landlord, a trusted family member or friend, the building superintendent, or a neighbor—anyone who can grant access in the event of damage, such as to the water pipes, and arrange for the damage to be repaired by qualified professionals. It also makes sense to have the mailbox emptied regularly or to have packages accepted on the tenant’s behalf.
Set up a mail forwarding request—and don't forget about the flowers and the hamster
In most cases, the people chosen to house-sit are people you know well. This makes sense, especially when it means your flowers, potted plants, or perhaps even a hamster will be in good, familiar hands. To prevent any unwanted “roommates”—such as pests—from taking up residence while you’re away, be sure to empty and clean all trash and compost bins before you leave. The flower boxes on the balconies must be secured or placed in a safe location so that a storm doesn’t blow them loose from their anchors and over the railing. It’s also practical and convenient to set up a mail forwarding request for the specific time period so that, even while away, you can hold your subscribed trade magazine in your hands, free from any online coverage.
Heating temperature, ventilation, and sidewalk sweeping must be regulated
If you leave your home for an extended period during the winter, you must make sure to adjust the heating settings so that mold does not form, water pipes do not freeze, and no resulting damage occurs. Any obligation to shovel or de-ice the sidewalk specified in your lease must still be fulfilled even while you are away. In a friendly neighborhood, you’re sure to find a neighbor or two who can temporarily step in to help with this. In the long run and for peace of mind, it’s worth hiring a winter maintenance service for this purpose. If you’ll be away for an extended period, it’s advisable—and safer—to also shut off the shut-off valves for the water lines leading to the washing machine or dishwasher. Tenants are responsible for adequate ventilation even during extended absences. It should be arranged in advance who can take over this responsibility on the tenant’s behalf to ensure proper ventilation, which, for example, prevents mold growth and avoids any “tension” between the landlord and tenant in the first place.
Vacation homes and apartments are booming
Vacations in your own country, camping in a RV, a summer retreat at a vacation home, or a breath of sea air in a vacation cottage—the desire for a vacation home of one’s own is booming and will continue to do so. And the next vacation—and thus the next possible getaways—are sure to come. It’s only a matter of time, which at the moment is still measured by the milestones in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 crisis, in particular, has intensified the travel trend toward vacation homes and apartments, especially in Germany’s coastal regions, the Allgäu, and the Lake Constance area, but also in Brandenburg. In the coming weeks, we’ll take a closer look at this vacation renaissance and the trend toward purchasing a second home in a chosen vacation destination.
