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Top 10 Questions Tenants Frequently Ask

Paul-Henry Paltmann

5/5/2024

In this article, we have compiled some common inquiries tenants have about using EstatePro. Useful reading for both new and experienced tenants.

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1. How to Choose the Right Rental Property?

As a tenant, it is important to choose a rental property that meets your needs and budget. Important considerations include location, nearby amenities such as shops and transportation links, affordability in relation to your budget, and the condition and safety of the rental property.

You can input all your preferences into your profile or search filter on EstatePro to conveniently and quickly find a rental home that suits you.

2. Key Terms of the Tenancy Agreement

Before signing the tenancy agreement, tenants should thoroughly read and understand the key terms of the contract. This includes the duration and conditions of the tenancy period, the amount of rent and security deposit, and agreements regarding ancillary costs and their distribution.

If a dispute arises in the tenancy, tenants and landlords should first attempt to resolve it through negotiation between themselves.

Before moving out, tenants should clean the rental property and return it in the same condition as it was at the beginning of the tenancy. The landlord must return the security deposit to the tenant according to the agreed terms and the law.

3. What if I Accidentally Damage the Rental Property?

If an unexpected incident occurs in the rental property, it is important to report it immediately to the landlord. Prompt action can minimize damage, which is also a legal obligation of the tenant according to the Law of Obligations Act.

If it turns out that the incident was caused by the tenant's negligence or fault, they are responsible for the resulting damage and must compensate the landlord for it. If the tenant refuses to take responsibility or is unable to do so immediately, EstatePro acts as a mediator to find a suitable solution for both parties. If EstatePro has to compensate for the damage, a claim will be made against the tenant.

However, there may be situations where the incident is covered by home insurance. If the tenant has home insurance, their liability is usually limited to the deductible amount according to the insurance policy.

It is advisable for tenants to find out whether there is valid home insurance (including liability insurance) for the rental property. If not, it may be recommended for the landlord to take out home insurance (good reading material on home insurance can be helpful).

4. Does EstatePro Cover My Rental Debts and Damages to the Landlord's Property Caused by Me?

EstatePro understands that tenancy relationships can sometimes involve unexpected situations. We aim to ensure that both landlords and tenants feel safe and protected, while also providing flexibility and support to all parties. Our platform operates on the following principles:

EstatePro does not function like traditional liability insurance. This means that the tenant is personally liable for damage caused by themselves or individuals residing in their rental property – co-tenants, children, pets, guests.

If a tenant causes financial damage to the landlord, whether in the form of unpaid rent or utilities or damage to property, it is assumed that the tenant will compensate for the damage.

If a tenant refuses to compensate for the damage or is unable to do so immediately, EstatePro acts as a mediator to find a suitable solution for both parties. If EstatePro has to compensate for the damage, a claim will be made against the tenant.

Our goal is always to find the best possible solution between the tenant and the landlord, considering the legitimacy and evidence of damage claims.

If the tenant is willing to cooperate, EstatePro can offer flexible solutions for compensating for the damage, including the option to pay the debt over a longer period and interest-free.

5. What Is the Value of EstatePro to Tenants?

On the EstatePro platform, tenants can create a profile that allows them to easily apply for multiple suitable rental apartments. Additionally, tenants can opt to receive notifications when a rental property matching their criteria becomes available.

During the tenancy, our platform facilitates convenient communication with the landlord of the rental property, monitoring of utility prices, viewing and payment of bills, filing complaints, and ordering repairs or other services.

After the tenancy ends, tenants can leave a review for the landlord of the rental property, helping other potential tenants make informed decisions when choosing a rental property.

6. How to Get Assistance as a Tenant for Repairs or Maintenance Work?

As a tenant, you may need repairs or maintenance work in your rental property. It is important to know how to handle such situations and where to find assistance. Here are some tips:

Notify the landlord of major issues: If you discover any major or hazardous problems in the rental property, such as a leaking faucet or electrical failure, inform the landlord immediately and check if there is a service provider currently available on the EstatePro platform willing to assist you soon. However, if there are major problems, the landlord may choose to address the issue themselves. Prompt action can help prevent major problems and damages.

Use EstatePro services: The EstatePro platform intends to provide assistance in organizing minor repairs or maintenance work. Check the services and service providers offered by the platform on how to get help with solving various problems.

7. How to Start Searching for a Home on Our Platform?

If you see an advertisement where the owner wants to rent through our platform but you don't have an account with us yet, don't worry - it's just one quick step you can take to find your new home. Creating an account on our platform allows you to apply for various rental properties, receive notifications about suitable apartments, and facilitates communication with landlords.

Applying for Rental Properties: Creating an account allows you to apply for various rental properties directly through our platform. This ensures faster and more convenient access to various rental properties.
Notifications about Suitable Apartments: Once you have created an account, you can subscribe to notifications about suitable rental properties according to your preferences and criteria. This keeps you informed about new offers and allows you to react quickly.
Communication with Landlords: Creating an account on our platform allows you to communicate directly with landlords, ask questions, and get additional information about rental properties. This enables you to make informed decisions and ensures smooth communication with landlords.

8. Why Are There Rental Advertisements on EstatePro That Request Brokerage or Contract Fees?

We do not restrict the asking of brokerage or contract fees because EstatePro's platform is used not only by independent landlords but also by brokers representing landlords.

If a tenant wishes to rent directly from the owner, they should make sure that the advertisement does not include brokerage or contract fees.

9. Why Can't I Contact the Landlord When I Have Applied to an Advertisement?

As EstatePro does not regulate communication between the tenant and the landlord, we cannot provide a specific answer to this.

Generally, the reason is that the landlord has many candidates and may not manage to communicate with all of them.

If the landlord has signed a contract with another tenant, all candidates will receive a corresponding notice.

In any case, during the home search phase, it is advisable to find more than one pleasant advertisement so that everything does not depend on just one landlord.

In addition, each tenant should consider that not all landlords may respond/initiate contact. It's not worth getting discouraged and giving up!

10. How Does Billing Work on the EstatePro Platform?


Rent Payment


EstatePro does not facilitate rent payments between the tenant and the landlord. These must be agreed upon directly between the parties through the tenancy agreement. The tenancy agreement should specify the due date for rent payment and the billing process (recipient details along with bank account number).

If rent payment is made in cash, a written record of the transaction is necessary. For example, the landlord confirms receipt of rent payment by email to the tenant.



Payments for utilities


EstatePro does not facilitate payments for utilities between the tenant and the landlord. The method of payment must also be specified in the contract. Usually, two options are chosen for organizing payments:


1. The landlord sends a consolidated invoice to the tenant once a month, showing all ancillary costs, on a specific date each month with a payment deadline.


2. The landlord sends each invoice separately for payment.



EstatePro Service Fee

It doesn't matter to us whether the service fee payment is borne by the tenant or the landlord. This is a decision between the parties that must be fixed in the tenancy agreement.

An invoice is sent by EstatePro to the payer at the beginning of each month, with a payment deadline of the 15th.


Images: Copilot.