Housing

Mietvertrag

Rental Contract

Simple Definition

The legal lease agreement. Usually open-ended (unbefristet) with a 3-month notice period.

Why this matters to Expats.

Read this carefully. Look for "Solidary Liability" (Solidarhaftung) if you share a flat—it means YOU are liable for your roommate's rent if they don't pay.

Actionable Intelligence

Minimum Duration: Many contracts have a "Mindestmietdauer" (e.g. 1 year) where you cannot cancel. Check this before signing!

Diplomatic Clause: Ask for this if your job might move you abroad suddenly. It allows early cancellation.

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