Moving out: what does handover preparation cost?

Check tenancy agreement, move-in report and pre-inspection

Which tasks are actually required when moving out – whether a broom-clean handover, filling drill holes or repainting in neutral colours – depends on your tenancy agreement and the condition of the flat when you moved in (renovated or unrenovated). Whether a cosmetic repairs clause (Schönheitsreparaturen) is legally enforceable is a legal question; if in doubt, consult a tenants’ association or lawyer before paying for work you may not owe.

The move-in handover report and a brief pre-inspection walk-through with your landlord or property manager are very helpful: agreeing in writing early on what needs to be done before key handover helps protect your rental deposit.

Clearance and dismantling: volume, floor level and access

If old furniture, carpets, appliances or full cellar and loft storage remain after your move, the volume in cubic metres, floor level (with or without a lift), carrying distance to the van and waste disposal requirements determine the effort. Dismantling fitted kitchens, wardrobes, ceiling lights or tenant-installed flooring is planned separately.

Anything you take with you, sell or dispose of via municipal bulky waste collection reduces the clearance volume. Schedule the clearance early enough so the flat is completely empty for decorating and cleaning.

Renovating walls: filling, priming and painting

When redecorating before a flat handover, surface preparation and the number of coats required often make the biggest difference:

• Number and size of drill holes, rawlplug holes, cracks or plaster damage (filling work)
• Dark or bold accent walls that require multiple coats of high-opacity neutral emulsion
• Nicotine staining, soot or dried water marks that must be sealed with stain-blocking primer first
• Damaged woodchip or patterned wallpaper that needs stripping and re-hanging
• Ceilings, radiator niches, window reveals and painted doors and frames, if included

End-of-tenancy cleaning: broom-clean or full deep clean?

While ‘broom-clean’ (swept, cobweb-free and clear of coarse dirt) may suffice for storage rooms, landlords and property managers usually expect kitchens and bathrooms to be hygienically clean, free of limescale, grease build-up and smears. A thorough end-of-tenancy clean covers floors, skirting boards, doors, switches, sanitaryware, tiles and window cleaning including frames and rebates.

Specify clearly in the quote whether fitted appliances such as the oven, cooker hood, fridge, cupboard interiors, balcony and cellar unit are included – these details are scrutinised closely at the final inspection.

Timeline to handover day: getting the sequence right

The most efficient order is always: 1. clearance and dismantling, 2. filling and wallpapering, 3. painting, 4. drying time, 5. final end-of-tenancy clean. Cleaning too early means cleaning twice after sanding dust and paint splashes settle.

Appointments around the end of the month book up quickly. Enquiring as soon as your handover date is fixed leaves enough buffer for drying times.

Handover-ready preparation from one team in Riesa

Booking three separate companies for clearance, painting and end-of-tenancy cleaning means three site visits, three quotes and the risk that one delay throws off the next trade.

In Riesa and the surrounding area, TF Clean coordinates all steps from a single source if required – with one dedicated contact person right up to handover. Send us photos of the rooms and your handover date for a clear quote.