Deposit or cooperative share?
Finding a new apartment can become a life's work. Too expensive, bad location or insufficient facilities - the knockout criteria accumulate quickly. The question of whether a deposit or cooperative shares are due can also be used to make a decision. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages.
Deposit for living with a landlord
- Many first look for an apartment from a private landlord, as there are no brokerage fees.
- With private landlords you "fight" for an apartment with other interested parties. In addition to your income and possibly a Schufa information, your sympathy usually decides whether you are lucky or not. Let your gut feeling decide, because the landlord is your direct contact in case of problems.
- However, renting from a private tenant is also a matter of trust, because your deposit must be kept in a separate account. Your landlord can decide for himself whether and in what amount your deposit will be used.
- The rental deposit corresponds to a maximum of three times the net monthly rent. You will receive this back no later than six months after you move out. If there are problems with your landlord, all that remains is the legal dispute.
- In the case of private apartments, you usually have to help clean the hallway, the common rooms and other areas.
- Living for rent is usually more individual because not so many tenants live together in a confined space, the building fabric is often better, and private landlords can often score points when it comes to furnishings.
- Although it is difficult to set a flat rate, it can be said that the rental prices with private landlords are often a bit higher.
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Pay for cooperative shares and have a say in decisions
- If you want to rent an apartment from a housing association, you must first become a member. It does this by paying shares. These can cost between 250 and 3000 euros. Be sure to find out the exact costs in advance. The cooperative shares are refunded at the end of the financial year. However, you can also remain a member after moving out.
- Cooperatives do not provide a deposit to cover rental damage. However, you are protected by handover and acceptance protocols so that you do not have to bear any damage yourself.
- With the payment of the cooperative shares you become a co-owner and receive a number of valuable rights. You have a say in how your living environment is designed and changed. A relaxing green area or a new playground - talk to us about your needs. You can also have a say in elections and become a candidate yourself.
- With housing cooperatives you get a lifelong permanent right of use, the risk of termination due to personal needs does not exist here. This gives you "property-like security" and the apartments are protected against sale.
- In contrast to private apartments, you do not have to look for your dream apartment yourself if you are interested in a cooperative apartment. You fill out a prospect's form and wait for offers, there is no obligation to look.
- Are there any problems with the electricity that heater or Schimmel you can get professional help quickly, and caretakers are always available to solve your living problems. In addition, cooperative apartments are regularly renovated and modernized.
- Cooperative housing is particularly interesting for families, as you can also get social housing here. Many cooperatives are based on the regional rent index, so that the rents here are often cheaper.
- Another plus: Many cooperatives offer attractive advantages for new members, such as bonuses or temporary rent-free living.
As is so often the case in life, luck also decides, so there are black sheep among private landlords as well as cooperatives. Ask friends, colleagues, and relatives about their experiences.
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