Which information must be included in a contract?
June 9, 2022 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Mia Schulz
Dear lawyer,
My name is Peter Altmann and I have a question regarding contract law. I recently signed a contract, but I am unsure if all relevant information is included in it. I would like to know what information must absolutely be included in a contract to be legally protected.
Background information: I recently signed a lease agreement for an apartment. The contract includes information about the duration of the lease, the security deposit, and the rent payment, but I am wondering if there could be other important information missing. I want to make sure that the contract includes all necessary details to protect my rights as a tenant.
Current situation: The lease agreement has already been signed by me and the landlord, and I have received the keys to the apartment. I now want to ensure that the contract is legally correct and does not have any gaps that could disadvantage me as a tenant.
Concerns: I am concerned that the contract may be incomplete and could cause problems for me in the future. Therefore, I want to make sure that all relevant information is included in the contract to protect my rights.
Question: What specific information must be included in a lease agreement to ensure that I am legally protected as a tenant? Are there any points that could be missing from my contract that I should have added later?
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Peter Altmann
Dear Mr. Altmann,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding contract law, specifically in relation to your recently signed lease agreement. It is understandable that you are concerned about whether all relevant information is included in your contract to protect your rights as a tenant. I will explain in detail below what information must be included in a lease agreement to be legally secure.
First and foremost, it is important to mention that a lease agreement is a written contract between a tenant and a landlord that regulates the specific conditions for renting an apartment. Such a contract should be clearly and unambiguously formulated to avoid possible misunderstandings or disputes. Essential information that must be included in a lease agreement includes:
1. The exact identification of the contracting parties (tenant and landlord) and their contact information.
2. The exact identification of the rented apartment, including address and description of the premises.
3. The amount of rent and payment modalities (e.g. monthly transfer, details regarding the security deposit).
4. The duration of the tenancy (fixed-term or open-ended) as well as the notice periods.
5. Regulations regarding operating costs, ancillary costs, and any additional agreements.
6. Description of the condition of the apartment upon moving in and any defects or damages.
7. Regulations regarding maintenance and repairs.
8. Agreements regarding renovation measures and cosmetic repairs.
It is important that all of these points are clearly and comprehensively documented in the lease agreement to ensure that your rights as a tenant are protected. If any of this information is missing from your contract, I strongly recommend adding it later. You could contact your landlord and request a contract amendment to avoid possible misunderstandings or disputes in the future.
Lastly, I advise you to carefully review the lease agreement and seek legal advice if necessary to ensure that all relevant information is included. If you have any further questions or need assistance, I am happy to help.
Sincerely,
Mia Schulz
Attorney at Law
