The most important thing first
During the apartment handover, the goal is to cleanly document the state of the apartment and to accurately record the relevant defects. It is not about noting every small point, but about documenting the most significant defects comprehensibly and clearly noting the costs as charged to the tenants. This is exactly where a professional real estate manager helps, because they know the process and approach the documentation in a structured way.
At MARCK Immobilien AG we repeatedly see in practice: the real friction occurs at the handover itself. When considering what is normal wear and what already needs to be replaced or charged as a depreciation. Also the quality of the cleaning leaves room for discussion. If, contrary to the expectation of many tenants at handover, not everything is in order, conflicts can arise. The reason is the lack of a common basis regarding condition, cleaning and documentation. Addressing this early saves discussions in the end.
Why is apartment handover so tricky?
The apartment handover is tricky because assessments are to some extent subjective. Not all defects can be clearly identified at first glance, and especially regarding wear or cleaning, the line between normal use and compensable damage is often debated. For tenants, this matters because the protocol finally states what they may have to pay.
- Wear is often judged differently depending on the condition and age of components.
- Cleaning is usually not just a yes-no question, but a matter of the actual condition.
- Costs can only be clearly allocated in the protocol once defects are clearly recorded.
How does an apartment handover work at MARCK Immobilien AG?
After termination, an appointment for handover is scheduled with the current tenant, usually in a brief phone call. The protocol is prepared based on the handover protocol and the defect list. On the handover day, the condition and cleanliness of the apartment are documented on site and any defects are recorded directly. Subsequently, repair work is commissioned and the costs are charged to the former tenant according to the useful life. After all open costs are settled, the deposit is dissolved in the final step.
| Phase | What happens? | Time required |
|---|---|---|
| Appointment | Handover appointment is set by phone after termination. | Brief phone call |
| Preparation | Handover protocol is prepared based on handover protocol and defect list. | 30 to 60 minutes |
| On-site handover | Condition of the apartment is checked and documented. | 30 to 60 minutes |
| Allocation | Defects are listed against the tenants in the protocol. | in the protocol |
| Settlement | After receiving all relevant invoices, a final bill is issued to the tenant | 20 minutes |
| Deposit refund | After all open costs are settled, the deposit is released | 5 minutes |
Customers can consult their legal protection if unsure; the company operates within legal boundaries.
When is a real estate manager particularly worthwhile?
Particularly sensible is the support when the apartment is no longer in like-new condition or when beforehand it is already foreseeable that there could be disputes over cleaning and wear. A real estate manager brings structure to the assessment and ensures that relevant points are not overlooked. This is helpful for owners and managers as well as for tenants who want a comprehensible handling.
- When the condition of the apartment is not clear
- When multiple defects must be assessed simultaneously
- When cost allocation becomes highly emotional quickly
- When clean documentation matters more than a quick agreement
- To avoid legal disputes
What does an apartment handover cost?
For the tenant: if the return is clean and in faultless condition, there are no costs. In case of heavy wear, several thousand Swiss francs can be due, and even a complete cleaning by an external provider can cost up to 2000 francs. The actual amount depends strongly on the apartment condition and the age of the components. For a property owner, MARCK Immobilien AG does not bill additional costs, as handover is part of our normal property management services. If there is no mandate, the effort is billed by the hour.
What mistakes happen most often during handover?
The most common misconception is that a home is clean enough only if it looks visually tidy. In practice, it matters whether the condition matches the original protocol and whether damages or excessive wear are verifiably recorded. That is why MARCK Immobilien AG emphasizes a clear separation between observation, assessment, and cost allocation.
- Relevant defects are noted too late or too imprecisely.
- Excessive wear and normal wear are mixed together, though they should be judged differently.
- Notes in the protocol are not specified precisely enough.
- Recharges are discussed before the actual costs are fully captured.
Frequently asked questions
What should I bring to the apartment handover?
Can I immediately object if something is unclear?
Why do some costs only become visible in the protocol?
For tenants, one thing is crucial: Do not sign too quickly if a point remains unclear. By consistently recording the relevant defects and, if necessary, seeking legal assistance, you create a better basis for a fair agreement. At MARCK Immobilien AG, this clean documentation is part of our professional procedure.
If you need a comprehensible apartment handover or want to know how MARCK Immobilien AG proceeds, a direct contact is worth it. Especially for disputed points around wear and cleaning, a clear procedure saves time and unnecessary discussions.
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MARCK Immobilien AG, Möhlin