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Flooring in rented flats: what to look out for
Choosing the right floor covering is an important decision – especially when renting. A new floor can significantly change the atmosphere of a room, enhance the feeling of living and at the same time offer functional advantages such as ease of care and durability. However, tenants often encounter legal limitations here, while landlords prefer solutions that are long-lasting and economical. What rights and obligations apply, and what should be considered to avoid conflicts? We provide an overview of the obligations and possibilities that will help find the optimal solution for both sides.
Rights and obligations of tenants: What is allowed?
We've all been there: you move into a rented apartment and the existing flooring doesn't meet your expectations at all. Maybe it's worn out, maybe it doesn't match your personal style. The temptation to simply replace the floor is great – but caution is advised here. Rental contracts often contain clauses that only allow major structural changes, such as replacing flooring, with the landlord's consent. So before you take action, you should get permission. This applies in particular if you want to remove the existing flooring, as landlords can demand that the property be restored to its original condition when the tenant moves out.
But there is good news: floating floor coveringsesuch as laminate or modern designer floor coverings made of CERAMINⓇoffer a flexible solution. Not only are they easy to lay, but they are also easy to remove again. This makes them ideal for rented flats, as they increase tenants' freedom of design while meeting the requirements of the tenancy agreement.
In addition to agreeing to the change, tenants should also keep an eye on the care and maintenance of the existing flooring. Normal wear and tear, such as minor scratches or abrasions, are covered by the rent. However, in the event of excessive wear and tear – for example, due to heavy furniture without protection or improper handling – landlords can claim compensation. It is therefore worth maintaining the floor regularly and, if necessary, taking protective measures, such as placing felt pads under chairs.
For tenants with special requirements, such as those with children or pets, easy-care and durable floor coverings are crucial. Materials such as CERAMINⓇ offer the ideal mix of robustness and easy cleaning. They are not only practical, but can also enhance the ambience of your home – without annoying the landlord. A well-laid, high-quality floor can thus not only increase your living comfort, but also make dealing with your landlord easier.
In the end, it depends on how well your own wishes can be reconciled with the rental conditions. Open communication with the landlord, combined with a well-thought-out choice of materials, can avoid many conflicts and allow for individual design freedom – without any legal grey areas.
Rights and obligations of landlords: a view to longevity and attractiveness
For landlords, the flooring in rental apartments is much more than just a functional element – it is an investment that has to prove itself over several rental cycles. At the same time, the floor is often the first thing that potential tenants see and contributes significantly to their first impression of the apartment. This means that a floor should not only be robust and durable, but also visually appealing.
The maintenance obligation clearly lies with the landlord. If a floor covering is so badly worn out by wear and tear or age that it no longer meets the requirements of normal use, landlords are obliged to replace it. However, they have the option of choosing the material, as long as it is of a comparable quality. For example, if you switch from carpeting to laminate or design flooring, you not only create a modern look, but often also increase the longevity of the flooring – a win-win for both sides.
It is advisable to use neutral and timeless materials that appeal to a wide range of tenants. Wood and stone finishes, for example, look attractive and can easily be combined with different interior styles. Such universal designs increase the attractiveness of the apartment and make it appealing to a broader target group.
Durable and easy-care materials are particularly important as they not only minimise wear and tear, but can also reduce the costs of regular renovations. Products like CERAMINⓇ-floors are the ideal solution here. They are robust, waterproof and easy to clean – properties that are particularly beneficial in rooms that are subject to heavy wear and tear, such as kitchens or bathrooms.
-Böden sind hier die ideale Lösung. Sie sind robust, wasserfest und leicht zu reinigen – Eigenschaften, die besonders in Räumen mit starker Beanspruchung wie Küche oder Bad von Vorteil sind.
Ultimately, the challenge for landlords is to choose a floor covering that not only meets their own requirements but also the expectations of their tenants. A high-quality, neutrally designed floor that can survive several rental cycles is not only a wise investment but also an important contribution to the satisfaction of both parties.
Conclusion: the right flooring for rented apartments
When it comes to rented apartments, it is important to find a balance between aesthetics, functionality and flexibility. Tenants benefit from easy-care floors that can be laid as a floating installation and are easy to remove. Landlords, on the other hand, should look for durability and timeless designs to maintain the value of their property in the long term. Products like CERAMINⓇ offer an ideal solution here: robust, visually appealing and easy to use – a perfect choice for everyone involved.
Find out more about our collections and the possibilities they offer for designing your rental apartment.
