German law · BGB

§535 BGB Inhalt und Hauptpflichten des Mietvertrags

Defines core obligations: landlord must provide and maintain the property; tenant must pay rent.

Automatic translation. Summaries and explanations may contain errors — the binding text is the German original.

Check your contract against this paragraph Read original text

Statute text

(1) Durch den Mietvertrag wird der Vermieter verpflichtet, dem Mieter den Gebrauch der Mietsache während der Mietzeit zu gewähren. Der Vermieter hat die Mietsache dem Mieter in einem zum vertragsgemäßen Gebrauch geeigneten Zustand zu überlassen und sie während der Mietzeit in diesem Zustand zu erhalten. Er hat die auf der Mietsache ruhenden Lasten zu tragen. (2) Der Mieter ist verpflichtet, dem Vermieter die vereinbarte Miete zu entrichten.

Clauses we automatically check against this paragraph

Each rule is matched against your upload and flagged with a verdict.

  • Cosmetic repairs imposed on unrenovated apartment

    Invalid

    Cosmetic repair clauses are void if the apartment was unrenovated at move-in without adequate compensation (BGH VIII ZR 185/14).

    Recommendation: This clause is invalid. You do not have to perform cosmetic repairs.

  • Rigid renovation schedule (e.g., 'every 3 years')

    Invalid

    Rigid renovation schedules are void (BGH VIII ZR 242/13).

    Recommendation: This deadline clause is ineffective. Cosmetic repairs are determined by the actual condition.

  • Kleinreparaturen clause without per-repair upper limit

    Invalid

    Under § 535 para. 1 s. 2 BGB the landlord bears maintenance costs. A small-repair clause without a clear per-repair cap is void because it unreasonably burdens the tenant.

    Recommendation: This clause is invalid. You do not have to cover any repairs.

  • Unrestricted landlord right to enter apartment

    Invalid

    The landlord has no unrestricted right to enter (Art. 13 GG, BGH VIII ZR 218/06).

    Recommendation: The right of entry is unconstitutional. Entry only with your consent or in emergencies.

  • General ban on all pets including small animals

    Invalid

    A general pet ban is void (BGH VIII ZR 168/12). Small animals are always permitted.

    Recommendation: The general ban on keeping pets is invalid. You may keep small animals in any case.

  • Kleinreparaturen clause without annual cap

    Invalid

    A small-repair clause must include both a per-repair and an annual cap (commonly 6–8 % of yearly rent). Missing annual cap makes the clause void.

    Recommendation: The clause is ineffective without an annual cap. You are not liable for minor repairs.

  • Favorable: landlord assumes Schönheitsreparaturen

    Info

    The landlord takes on cosmetic repairs under this contract. Favourable to you — statutorily that's already the landlord's obligation (§ 535 para. 1 s. 2 BGB), but an explicit clause removes ambiguity.

    Recommendation: Favorable for you — no action needed.

  • Favorable: pets explicitly permitted without prior approval

    Info

    The contract explicitly permits pets without landlord approval. Favourable — many standard contracts require consent at least for dogs and cats.

    Recommendation: Favorable for you — no action needed.

Court decisions on this paragraph

  • BGH VIII ZR 242/13 2015-03-18 Landmark

    Rigid renovation schedules for cosmetic repairs are void because they unreasonably disadvantage the tenant.

  • BGH VIII ZR 185/14 2015-03-18 Landmark

    Cosmetic repair clauses in unrenovated apartments are void if the tenant was not given adequate compensation.

Check your contract against §535 BGB now

Upload PDF or DOCX. Anonymous, no sign-up. Get the verdict in 2 minutes.