Term

Maintenance includes measures that serve the preventative upkeep of a building or one located on the property, respectively. Maintenance comprises upkeep measures such as cleaning, lubrication, calibration, refilling supplies and catalytic convertors, as well as similar measures for the reduction and prevention of signs of wear and tear respectively. According to Section 8 Paragraph 1 of the Act on Tenancy Law (MRG), the tenant is liable for the maintenance and upkeep of the rental object and included inventory, in so far as to avoid any damage being made to the landlord or other tenants.

A controversial topic concerning maintenance in the real estate industry is the maintenance of gas-fired water heaters. Since 2015, the landlord has been responsible for the maintenance, repair, and replacement of water heaters, water heating devices, and boilers. The tenant must, however, pay for the upkeep of the water heater. This regulation applies to rental objects that fall under the full and partial use area of the MRG and applies retroactively, meaning also for contracts that were concluded prior to 2015.