Understanding House Rules – Proper Ventilation, Cleaning, and Taking Responsibility.
Many problems in everyday rental life arise not from ill will, but from misplaced expectations. Especially with subletting or for people new to Germany, an apartment is often unconsciously treated like a hotel. This leads to damage, conflicts, and ultimately, disappointment when the security deposit is withheld in whole or in part.
This article clearly explains what living in Germany means, what obligations tenants and subtenants have, and why rules such as ventilation, cleaning, and careful handling of the apartment are not trivial matters, but rather part of the rental agreement.
A rental apartment is not a hotel
This is the most important point.
A hotel:
- is cleaned regularly
- provides supplies
- takes care of damages
- disposes of trash
- assumes responsibility
A rented apartment – even a sublet – works completely differently.
Whoever uses an apartment assumes responsibility for:
- cleanliness
- maintenance
- ventilation
- damages
- tidiness
living in a place means taking care of it.
The house rules are binding
The house rules are not just a friendly suggestion, but an integral part of the tenancy agreement. They regulate:
- Cleanliness
- Garbage disposal
- Ventilation practices
- Use of bathroom and kitchen
- Visitors
- Common rules
Anyone who ignores the house rules is in breach of the tenancy agreement – even if they are subletting.
Proper ventilation – a duty, not a recommendation
A particularly common problem is incorrect or insufficient ventilation.
Why ventilation is so important in Germany
Apartments in Germany are:
- well-insulated
- energy-efficient
- airtight
Without regular ventilation, moisture accumulates. This moisture condenses:
- on windows
- in corners
- on ceilings
- in joints
The result:
- mold
- peeling paint
- moisture damage
- health risks
This is not considered normal wear and tear, but rather improper user behavior.
This is how to ventilate properly
Recommended:
- Open windows fully 2-3 times a day
- For 5-10 minutes
- Ideally with a draft
Leaving windows permanently tilted is not a solution. It cools down the walls and promotes mold growth.
Bathroom and kitchen – particularly critical
After showering, bathing, or cooking,
ventilation is essential.
If this doesn’t happen, typical problems arise: mold in the grout, mold around windows, and peeling paint on the ceiling.
These problems are expensive to repair and justify withholding the security deposit.
Cleaning is part of living
Another misconception is that cleaning is „optional.“
It isn’t.
Regular cleaning means:
- Vacuuming
- Mopping
- Cleaning the bathroom
- Keeping the kitchen clean
If you don’t clean, the following develop:
- Layers of dust
- Grease deposits
- Odors
- Pests
Moths, pantry beetles, and mold don’t appear by chance, but due to poor hygiene.
Kitchen – careful handling is mandatory
The kitchen is particularly delicate.
Typical damage caused by improper use:
- cut work surfaces
- deep cuts in countertops
- food residue on furniture
- spoiled food
Even if a cutting board is available:
Cutting directly on the work surface causes damage.
This is not considered normal wear and tear.
Leftover food, trash and abandoned items
A very common point of contention when subletting or moving out:
Belongings left behind.
This includes:
- Trash
- Old clothes
- Unneeded items
- Leftovers
- Rotting food
In Germany, the rule is:
The apartment must be handed over clean and empty.
Belongings cause:
- Cleaning costs
- Disposal costs
- Loss of time
These costs may be deducted from the security deposit.
Chemicals, creams and delicate furniture
A frequently underestimated issue is the proper care of furniture.
Many homes – especially older ones – have:
- sensitive surfaces
- old furniture
- natural materials
Creams, perfumes, cleaning agents, or other chemical substances can:
- damage surfaces
- cause stains
- permanently damage materials
If a separate cabinet for such products is provided in the bathroom, it should be used.
Furniture is not a storage surface for aggressive substances.
Visitors are allowed – long-term visitors are not.
Another common misconception:
„Visitors are allowed, so my visitor can stay permanently.“
This is incorrect.
Visitors are:
- limited in time
- temporary
If a visitor:
- stays for many days
- stays for weeks
- regularly and permanently
lives in the apartment, it is no longer considered a visit, but rather additional use of the apartment.
This means:
- increased consumption
- increased wear and tear
- increased humidity
- more waste
Especially in the case of subletting, it is permissible to prohibit permanent visitors. Anyone who allows additional people to live there without permission is in breach of the rental agreement.
Consumables are the responsibility of the tenant.
Another frequent point of contention:
- Toilet paper
- Cleaning supplies
- Dish soap
- Garbage bags
These items must be provided by the tenant.
The landlord is not responsible for:
- Restocking supplies
- Cleaning
- Hygiene products
A rental apartment is not a service business.
Mold is not a minor problem.
In Germany, mold is considered:
- Property damage
- Health risk
- Consequence of improper use
Particularly affected areas are:
- Window frames
- Bathroom grout
- Ceilings
- Exterior walls
If mold develops due to inadequate ventilation or cleaning, the tenant is liable.
Why the deposit is being withheld
The security deposit is intended precisely for such cases:
- Cleaning
- Renovation
- Mold removal
- Disposal
- Repairs
If:
- the apartment wasn’t ventilated
- it wasn’t cleaned
- damage occurred
- items were left behind
retaining the security deposit is legally permissible.
This is not a penalty, but compensation for incurred costs.
Common statements – and why they are not true
„I didn’t know that.“
→ Ignorance is no excuse.
„Things are different where we live.“
→ German tenancy law applies.
„It’s just a little mold.“
→ Mold is damage.
„I was just a subtenant.“
→ Subtenants have the same obligations.
House rules and integration
House rules are not a tool of power, but a foundation for living together.
Those who respect them:
- avoid conflicts
- protect the apartment
- are taken seriously
- get their security deposit back
Many problems arise not from malice, but from false expectations.
Conclusion: Housing means responsibility
An apartment in Germany is not a hotel room.
It’s a space for which you are responsible.
Proper ventilation, regular cleaning, and respectful treatment of furniture are not extras, but obligations.
Those who follow these rules:
- live more peacefully
- avoid arguments
- protect themselves
- and ultimately get their security deposit back.
About the author
Anita Grabowski is an integration and career advisor for Indian IT-Professionals in Germany and founder of Germandia.
She supports highly qualified Indian talent who come to Germany with ambitions but are confronted with repeated job rejections, bureaucratic hurdles, and the pressure of obtaining a visa. Her work focuses on optimizing resumes according to German standards, structured application strategies, interview preparation, and practical guidance through the German system.
Anita combines clarity, structure, and cultural understanding to help her clients position themselves optimally in the German job market. Her approach reduces uncertainty, increases the chances of job interviews, and boosts self-confidence in one of the most important phases of moving and building a career.
Her book “Deutsch sprechen ohne Angst” (Speaking German Without Fear) reflects her belief that courage and drive are the foundation for long-term success in a new country.
