Broom-clean handover – what does it mean?
German tenancy agreements often say the apartment must be returned “besenrein”, broom-clean. What exactly that means, where it ends and final cleaning begins, and how to prepare the handover well.
The short answer
Broom-clean means: the apartment is empty, coarse dirt has been removed and the floors are swept. It does not mean a thorough clean with window washing and scrubbing. The German Federal Court of Justice (BGH) confirmed this in 2006 (judgment of 28.06.2006, VIII ZR 124/05): broom-clean means removing coarse dirt, nothing more.
What is owed in an individual case depends on the tenancy agreement, though. If it contains a more extensive cleaning obligation, that applies. So read your contract carefully again before moving out.
What broom-clean includes
Apartment fully cleared
No furniture, belongings or boxes – not in the cellar or attic unit either.
Floors swept
All rooms including hallway, bathroom, kitchen and storage room.
Coarse dirt removed
No food remains, cobwebs, dust bunnies or easily removable stains.
Rubbish removed
Bulky waste in front of the house or in the yard must be gone too.
Wall plugs and nails
Whether holes must be filled is set by the contract. If in doubt, clarify beforehand.
All keys
Every key, including cellar and letterbox, at handover.
Broom-clean, cleaned or renovated?
These three terms are often confused. Broom-clean is the minimum: empty and swept. Cleaned or “in a clean condition” goes further and usually covers windows, sanitary areas, kitchen and floors wiped. Renovated concerns cosmetic repairs such as painting – whether you are obliged to do this depends on whether the clause in your contract is valid.
If you are unsure, a final cleaning is the safe option. It costs less than a dispute over the deposit.
Do not forget the handover report
Walk through the apartment with the landlord and record the condition in writing, ideally with photos. Defects not listed in the report are hard to claim afterwards.
Typical points of dispute
Cellar not cleared
The cellar unit is part of the rental. Everything has to go there too.
Tenant fittings
Kitchens or shelves you installed usually have to be removed unless agreed otherwise.
Bulky waste on the street
Putting furniture on the street without a collection date risks trouble with landlord and city.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to clean the windows for broom-clean?+
Usually not. Broom-clean only covers removing coarse dirt, unless the contract expressly requires more.
Can the landlord keep the deposit if it is not clean enough?+
They can claim costs for removing dirt beyond the contractually owed condition. That is why a handover report matters.
Who clears if I cannot manage?+
We handle the apartment clearance and hand over broom-clean, optionally with final cleaning – at a fixed price and on time.
This article is general information and not legal advice. For specific disputes, contact a tenants’ association or a lawyer.
Handover coming up?
We clear, sweep and clean on request – right on time.