What happens to furniture bought jointly when moving out of a shared flat?

Shared furniture such as the sofa, kitchen table or shelves should be clearly assigned when moving in or at the latest before moving out. A list recording who owns which piece of furniture or how they will be compensated has proved its worth. Our team supports you in the shared-flat move by transporting furniture safely, regardless of who ultimately takes it over.

How does repayment of the deposit work when flatmates change?

If only one flatmate moves out, the deposit usually stays with the landlord, because the tenancy continues. It is customary for the successor to pay out the share of the person leaving directly. Record the amount, the date and the condition of the room in writing so that the chain of buy-outs remains traceable later.

What documents do we need for a complete handover report?

A complete handover report should include photos of all rooms, the meter readings and a list of any damage. It is also advisable for all flatmates present and the landlord to sign it on the spot. This documentation protects you in a shared-flat move against later discussions about the deposit and compensation.

How do we quickly find a new flatmate after someone moves out?

Advertising early on flatshare portals and a clear description of the room with photos increase the chances of finding a replacement quickly. At the same time, you should already schedule the shared-flat move of the flatmate who is leaving so that the room does not stand empty unnecessarily. Our removal company can respond flexibly to short-notice move-in and move-out dates and, if needed, supports you several times a year.

How is the service charge statement handled when flatmates change?

If flatmates change during the billing period, consumption is usually divided proportionally according to the length of stay. Read the electricity, gas and water meters together on the day of moving out and note the values. When the service charge statement arrives later, the shared flat can then divide any additional payment or credit fairly between old and new flatmates.

Do we have to redecorate when moving out of a shared flat?

Whether there is an obligation to redecorate depends on the tenancy agreement; many blanket clauses are invalid, for example if the flat was handed over unrenovated. Check the contract or get advice before you paint. In any case, the flat should be handed over broom-clean – you can read how under broom-clean handover .

How do we re-register correctly after a shared-flat move?

Every flatmate has to register with the registration authority within two weeks of moving in (§ 17 BMG), whether it is a local or a long-distance move . You need to bring your ID and the landlord confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) (§ 19 BMG), which the landlord or – in the case of subletting – the main tenant issues. It is best to book the appointment before the move.

How far in advance should we book the removal company for the shared flat?

For a smooth shared-flat move , we recommend booking at least four to six weeks in advance, especially at the end of the month or during the semester break. That way you secure your preferred date and enough time to plan several rooms. Via our Private move page you can request a non-binding quote and reserve a suitable date.

Is a part load worthwhile for moving a single room in a shared flat?

Yes, a part load is a cost-effective alternative to a full removal van, especially for single rooms with a manageable volume. Your belongings are transported together with other loads, which reduces costs considerably. Especially in a shared-flat move where only one person moves out, this is often the most economical solution.

What should you bear in mind for a shared-flat move to another city?

For a long-distance move , allow more lead time: notice (three months), re-registration at the new place and settling the deposit from a distance. Give the shared flat your new address and bank details so that your share can be transferred once the landlord has settled up. You can read more about long routes under Long-distance moves .

Can individual rooms in a shared flat be moved separately if flatmates have different dates?

Yes, on request we plan the shared-flat move for each room individually. That way every flatmate can move on their own date without waiting for the others. We give you the fixed price after the survey – for every trip you book. For small quantities, a part load may also be suitable.

DEPOSIT IN THE SHARED FLAT

Rental deposit in a shared flat: amount repayment and change of flatmate

How much deposit is allowed, who gets it back in a shared flat and how a flatmate who moves out receives their share.

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SETTLING THE DEPOSIT FAIRLY

Money and the shared flat

The deposit belongs to everyone – which is why the shared flat needs clear rules

Fairly divided

Unsere Firma Rental deposit in a shared flat: statutory maximum, flatmates' shares, buying out a share when flatmates change and settlement after moving out.

A shared-flat move is not only about furniture, but also about money that belongs to everyone: the rental deposit. By law, it may be no more than three months' rent excluding service charges, and tenants may pay it in three monthly instalments (§ 551 BGB). The landlord must invest it separately from their own assets; the interest belongs to the tenants. Towards the landlord, usually only the total amount counts – so who in the shared flat paid in how much, or bought out a predecessor's share, should be recorded in writing, ideally with the date and room.

For the repayment, what counts is the condition of the flat at the handover – so a careful report is your best argument. We handle the transport at a fixed price after a survey; your belongings are covered by liability under the German Commercial Code (HGB) (§ 451e: €620 per m³), and additional insurance is available on request. You can read how we move individual rooms or whole flats under Private move. Call us on 01625978461.

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PERSONAL ADVICE

Planning a shared-flat move with the deposit in mind

Fixed price after a survey

We survey your shared flat free of charge and then give you a fixed price for the move. That way all flatmates know what sum they need to budget for alongside settling the deposit and the last rent – whether the whole shared flat is moving or just one room.

Offers available individually, depending on effort, scheduling and the scope of services required.

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CAREFUL RIGHT UP TO THE HANDOVER

How we support the handover

No new scratches

Anyone who wants their deposit back in full must not leave any new damage when moving out. We protect door frames, floors and the stairwell, dismantle furniture and carry it out without scuff marks. If the whole shared flat is not moving out at the same time, we arrange separate dates. We give you the fixed price after the survey; your belongings are covered by liability under the HGB. We are based in Berlin (Stromstraße 21) – you will find destinations with their own page under Locations.

Protection for floors

Blankets and edge protection prevent scratches on parquet, door frames and the stairwell – damage that would otherwise be deducted from the deposit.

Dismantling furniture

We dismantle wardrobes and beds professionally so that no drill holes tear out and walls are left without new damage.

Separate dates

If only one flatmate moves out, we collect only their room – the handover of the whole flat follows later.

Empty rooms

After the move-out, the rooms are empty and ready for the final cleaning and the handover report with the landlord.

THE DEPOSIT IN SIX STEPS

How the deposit stays fairly divided

The deposit is the money shared flats argue about most often. These six points ensure that every flatmate gets what they are entitled to in the end.

Record payments

Record who paid in how much and when – if paid in instalments, each of the three instalments separately, with the date.

Know the maximum

The landlord may not demand more than three months' rent excluding service charges (§ 551 BGB) – not even from a shared flat.

Buy out shares internally

If someone moves out, the successor usually pays out their share directly; the deposit held by the landlord remains untouched.

Document the condition

Photos at move-in and move-out show which damage is new and which was already there – this protects every flatmate.

Wait for the settlement

The landlord may take a reasonable time to check and hold back part for an outstanding service charge statement.

Don't forget the interest

The investment income belongs to the tenants and increases the deposit – split it according to the shares.

WHEN ONLY ONE PERSON MOVES OUT

One room by part load

Few belongings, small price

If only one flatmate moves out and takes little with them, a part load can be cheaper than a lorry of their own: their belongings travel with other orders. The deposit usually stays in the shared flat – their share is bought out internally.

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MONEY IN THE SHARED FLAT

Deposit,
service charges and transfer fees

What falls due when moving out

A shared-flat move involves more than boxes and furniture: the deposit, service charges and transfer fees for furniture fall due when moving out. When flatmates change, the deposit usually stays with the landlord, and the successor pays out the predecessor's share. If the whole tenancy ends, the landlord settles up after an inspection period. You can read more about the amount and deadlines in the article Rental deposit: amount and repayment.

Record shares in writing

A short shared-flat agreement with the amounts paid in, the room and the move-in date makes settling the deposit easy when moving out – even years later, when nobody remembers exactly any more.

Moving out gently

With a packing service, professional furniture transport and protected floors, no new damage occurs during the move-out that could later be deducted from the deposit.

Service charges when flatmates change

If a flatmate moves out in the middle of the billing year, note the meter readings on the day of moving out. For small quantities, a part load or a furniture taxi helps keep moving costs low.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions on the deposit in a shared flat

Answers on the amount of the deposit, repayment, changing flatmates, service charges and the handover report.

The most practical way is to split by room size or moving volume, plus an equal share for the kitchen and bathroom. We give you the fixed price after the survey; that way the total is fixed before the shared flat splits it. Put the split in writing – ideally on the same sheet as the deposit shares.

Who paid how much deposit?

In many shared flats, each flatmate has paid part of the deposit – often at different times, because flatmates have changed. By law, the deposit is limited to three months' rent excluding service charges (§ 551 BGB); it can be paid in three instalments, the first at the start of the tenancy. Towards the landlord, only the total amount counts – the shared flat arranges the split itself.

That is why you should record in writing who paid in how much and when, or bought out the predecessor's share. When moving out, this list is the basis for dividing the money fairly, and it avoids disputes if a former flatmate claims their share back years later.

Repayment: report, inspection period and service charges

A careful handover report is essential when moving out of a shared flat: it documents the condition of every room and the shared areas. Photos and meter readings are part of it. It is important that all tenants are present at the handover appointment or give a flatmate power of attorney.

The landlord may then take a reasonable time to check whether they still have any claims; three to six months is often cited, but there is no fixed deadline. If the service charge statement is still outstanding, they may hold back part of the deposit. You will find a template for the report in the article Handover report.

Moving costs alongside the deposit

€344 – starting price for a 1-room flat
€594 – starting price for 2 rooms
€889 – starting price for 3 rooms
€1,324 – starting price for 4 rooms
Individual quote for a house or villa
€4.25/km for long-distance moves

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What determines the moving price

Volume, distance (from €4.25/km), floor and lift largely determine the price. A no-parking zone may also be necessary. Additional services such as furniture assembly or a part load round off the offer.

Our services for moving out of a shared flat

Your move, our expertise

Moving out carefully means no new damage that is later deducted from the deposit.

House clearance: Professional disposal and clearance. House clearance
Part load: Affordable transport through shared trips. Part load
Move with assembly: All-round service with assembly and dismantling. Move with assembly
Company relocation: Minimal downtime for your company relocation. Company relocation
Furniture transport: Your furniture travels safely with us. Furniture transport
Private move: Your private move in the best hands. Private move

Keeping track of the deposit, even on a long-distance move

If a flatmate moves far away, the deposit is often settled by bank transfer – so give the shared flat your bank details and new address. We are based in Berlin and drive nationwide: you will find destinations with their own page in the locations overview, and long routes under Long-distance moves.

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Beste Umzug Redaktion

September 13, 2026

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