During the handover pictures should be taken and a handover protocol should be prepared by the landlord to document the status of the apartment. The purpose of this is to prevent any misunderstandings between yourself and the landlord regarding the refund of your deposit after moving out.

Please note: if you are unable to meet for a handover, please:

- check the apartment or house, and take as many photos as possible to show the condition of each room.

- inspect the apartment thoroughly for any damage, and take detailed photos of this too.

- make a note of all the meter readings for water, electricity and heating.

We strongly advise all guests renting through the DESY Housing Service to take out this insurance. More information can be found here.

This is available at the Housing Office and here.

We strongly advise all guests renting through the DESY Housing Service to take out this insurance. More information can be found here.

This is required by law.

Go to the International Office (building 6, room 114) for help, or go straight to your local registration office (Kundenzentrum or Bürgeramt) to register your residence. You will need to take with you:

- your passport
- the signed document ‘Wohnungsgeberbestätigung’
- your lease contract
- €10 for registration fees

This is available at the Housing Office and here.

This is required by law.

Go to the International Office (building 6, room 114) for help, or go straight to your local registration office (Kundenzentrum or Bürgeramt) to register your residence. You will need to take with you:

- your passport
- the signed document ‘Wohnungsgeberbestätigung’
- your lease contract
- €10 for registration fees
.

Click here for more information.

Rental agreements / lease contracts can only be terminated in accordance with the German Civil Code. This states that:

- lease contract terminations must be in writing.

- the notice period is a minimum of one month for a room, unless another termination period is agreed in the contract.

- notice must be received at the latest on the third working day of the calendar month. (Please check your contract in advance to avoid any complications regarding this.)

The DESY Housing Service can provide the termination notice if necessary.

Rental agreements / lease contracts can only be ended in accordance with the German Civil Code. This states that:

- lease contract terminations must be in writing.

- the notice period is a minimum of three months for an apartment or house, unless another termination period is agreed in the contract.

- notice must be received at the latest on the third working day of the calendar month. (Please check your contract in advance to avoid any complications regarding this.)

The DESY Housing Service can provide the termination notice if necessary.

This is required by law.

This should be done at the same registration office (Kundenzentrum or Bürgeramt) where you originally registered. The International Office can provide help with this. To deregister, you will need:

- your passport

- the document ‘Wohnungsgeberbestätigung’ signed by your landlord, and available at the Housing Office and here.

This is required by law.

This should be done at the same registration office (Kundenzentrum or Bürgeramt) where you originally registered, and must be done on the day you leave. The International Office can provide help with this. To deregister, you will need:

- your passport

- the document ‘Wohnungsgeberbestätigung’ signed by your landlord, and available at the Housing Office and here.

This is so we can contact you if there are any questions or problems regarding your tenancy in Germany.

This is so we can contact you if there are any questions or problems regarding your tenancy in Germany.

You can arrange for Deutsche Post to forward your mail to your new address for up to 2 years after you have moved. This will cost between €19.90 and €34.90. Visit the Deutsche Post website for more information.

If not, please tell the Housing Service the contact details of a friend or colleague (preferably at DESY) for us to pass on your post to.

You can arrange for Deutsche Post to forward your mail to your new address for up to 2 years after you have moved. This will cost between €19.90 and €34.90. Visit the Deutsche Post website for more information.

If not, please tell the Housing Service the contact details of a friend or colleague (preferably at DESY) for us to pass on your post to.

Give them your new address and bank details so your deposit (minus any deductions) can be transferred to you after you have left.

Give them your new address and bank details so your deposit (minus any deductions) can be transferred to you after you have left.

Please refer to the final cleaning checklist under What must I do before moving out of my accommodation? on the FAQs page.

If applicable, please make sure that you inform the electricity, water, gas and telephone/Internet companies of your intention to move. The final meter readings of the electricity, water and gas meters may be submitted after the handover.

Please also cancel any other contracts you may have, such as your mobile phone contract.

Please refer to the final cleaning checklist under What must I do before moving out of my accommodation? on the FAQs page.

During the handover pictures will be taken and a handover protocol will be prepared to document the status of the apartment.