DIY - The Renovierung

Another peculiarity to the German system of renting flats is the “Renovierung” or the renovation. Here, it is your responsibility as a tenant to paint or redecorate the flat. Usually you can choose whether you paint on moving in or just before you move out. Be very careful when reading the “Mietvertrag” (contract) that you sign. Sometimes the landlord may state that every 5 years a “big” renovation has to take place. This involves renovating the bathroom, kitchen, doors, door frames, etc. and is definitely something you want to steer well clear of.  Renovating when you first move into a flat is obviously the best option as you can choose your own colours, etc.  Here again you can opt to pay someone (also “Schwarz”) to do the job for you. But why would you pay for something you can do yourself?  You are after all trying to assimilate to German society and do as the Germans do. So, get yourself down to your local Bauhaus, buy the cheapest set of brushes, the cheapest quality of paint and get the job done yourself.