The Viewing Questions You Will Remember Too Late

A busy open viewing rewards speed, but the tenancy rewards attention. Photograph only with permission, take measurements, and divide questions between household members so the bright living room does not eclipse everything else.

Before entering

Walk from the transport stop you would use at an ordinary commute hour. Notice street lighting, late-opening businesses, bicycle storage and the route from the entrance to the apartment. Check whether the named contact and address match the listing. No legitimate opportunity requires a deposit transfer merely to view.

Inside the rooms

Open windows and listen. Look at frames, seals, ventilation points and external walls for staining or a newly painted patch. Test taps, ask how hot water is supplied, and identify radiators or underfloor controls. Confirm which flooring, lamps and cupboards belong to the landlord.

The word Einbauküche does not settle ownership. Ask whether the kitchen is part of the lease, sold separately by the outgoing tenant, or provided without maintenance responsibility. Measure appliance spaces and note the power connection if you may need your own kitchen.

Building and running costs

Ask about the heating source, service-charge advance, latest energy certificate and any announced building works. Find the cellar, bin area, laundry provision, lift and bicycle room rather than accepting a verbal description. For top-floor homes, ask about summer heat; for ground-floor homes, inspect privacy and window security.

Tenancy facts

Clarify the proposed start date, deposit, fixed or indefinite term, Indexmiete or Staffelmiete, notice arrangements and house rules. Determine whether the address permits ordinary residence registration. Do not rely on a viewing agent’s summary when the eventual written contract says something else.

Immediately afterwards

Separately score condition, total monthly cost, commute and non-negotiable needs before discussing how “nice” it felt. Write unanswered questions in an email. If offered the tenancy, review the agreement and plan a detailed handover protocol; viewing notes do not replace recording defects when keys change hands.

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