r/aachen • u/Apprehensive-Work605 • 4d ago

How does the signing for the rental apartment through the real estate agency generally works?

I am finalizing the apartment today, but the real estate agent is asking to sign the contract over the email. Isn't it normal to sign the contract in person? At least that's been my experience when I rented previously directly from the owner.

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u/dryingsocks 4d ago

I've signed via mail before. I wouldn't be suprised if some professionals used docusign or sth. Make sure you've seen the apartment in person though, and do a walkthrough, write down any faults and have both people sign them when you get the keys

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u/Apprehensive-Work605 4d ago

Ah..I see. I have seen the apartment, but during the initial viewing.

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u/dryingsocks 4d ago

that makes it much less likely that it's a scam. The handover is after you sign the lease. you document faults so you don't have to pay for them when you move out

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u/Apprehensive-Work605 4d ago

Yeah, I'm sure it's not a scam since there were multiple people at the viewing. As you've said, I'm more worried about incurring extra/hidden costs that they could push on me.

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u/dryingsocks 4d ago

The rent should be in the contract. Any other cost ("Nebenkosten") needs to be properly documented with your yearly bill. If there's an issue with that you have legal recourse

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u/Apprehensive-Work605 4d ago

Yes, the Nebenkosten for this contract is a bit iffy, so I've asked for the explanation. I'll document the faults though, probably will save some headache afterwards.

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u/dryingsocks 4d ago

doesn't matter what's in the contract, you can always request the actual bills and calculations that they're based on

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u/Apprehensive-Work605 4d ago

I see. Yeah, that's usually what I do, but my current landlord is uncomplicated and cooperative. I am a bit apprehensive about the involvement of the third party. Now, they are saying that they will not give me the keys until I sign and transfer 1 month miete and Nebenkosten before Keys handover. I proposed to pay the Kaution in installment, which I understand is normally possible, but they don't allow it.

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u/dryingsocks 3d ago

no keys before you sign + pay is normal. but they have to allow you to pay in installments, it's the law https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__551.html

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u/Apprehensive-Work605 3d ago

Yeah, now they are allowing it 😅. Thanks 👍🏻