Renting a new home, especially remotely, should be easy and safe. That's why at Estate Mitchell we have developed a transparent, multi-step process that protects both tenant and landlord.
Before a property is published on Mitchell, we always check ownership, title deeds and that keys are available locally. We meet the landlord in person or through an agent. This is how we ensure that each ad is authentic, legally correct and ready to view.
Once you have found the right property, you submit a digital rental application. After the landlord’s approval, you pay the deposit, equivalent to two months’ rent plus a security deposit. The amount is held in a separate client funds account with us, never directly with the landlord.
Once payment is confirmed, we will send keys and a signed lease agreement to your registered address with traceable delivery. You will receive everything you need to move in immediately.
You have 48 hours from receipt to inspect the property on site. If the property matches the description and photos, sign the agreement and the move is complete. If it doesn't match, return the keys unused — we'll refund the entire deposit without deductions.
Once the agreement is signed by both parties, the rental relationship officially starts. The security deposit remains securely in the client funds account for the entire rental period and is refunded upon vacating after an approved final inspection.
After signing, both parties are legally bound to follow the provisions in the contract. It is therefore essential to read and fully understand the entire agreement before signing, even if it is lengthy.
Most landlords require a security deposit, which is fully reimbursed when you move out, together with any accrued interest. In the event of damage to the apartment, the landlord has the right to retain the amount required from the deposit to cover the cost of repairs.
The maximum legally permitted deposit is equivalent to three months' rent plus 16% VAT. However, many landlords only require a deposit of one or two months' rent.
"Rent" refers to the base monthly amount paid to the landlord. Any additional costs depend on the specific apartment and are stipulated individually in the rental agreement.
Utility costs such as heating, gas, water, and electricity are based on personal usage and are typically paid monthly at a pre-agreed fixed rate. Meters are read annually, and any surplus or deficit is then reimbursed or charged accordingly.
Other service charges, such as waste management, street cleaning, and communal cleaning, are calculated based on the size of the apartment. In some older buildings without individual meters, heating costs are distributed among all apartments in proportion to their size.
Most landlords require rent to be paid by direct debit or standing order, as specified in the agreement.
Caretaker: In multi-tenant properties, a caretaker and landlord are responsible for daily operations and necessary repairs.
Winter Service and Street Cleaning: If no caretaker is provided, tenants are legally obligated to clear snow and ice from the pavement in front of the building during winter, as stipulated in the agreement. Tenants who fail to do so may be held liable for any resulting damage. Some municipalities also require weekly street sweeping.
Pets: Keeping pets in the apartment must be discussed with and approved by the landlord in advance, and the permission must be included in the rental agreement. This applies to dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, and other domestic animals.
A standard notice period applies if either you or the landlord wishes to terminate the agreement. A landlord may not terminate the tenancy without providing a valid legal reason. For standard rental agreements, the legal notice period is three months.