Stairwell cleaning: who has to clean?

Whether tenants must clean the stairwell depends on the lease and the house rules. Without a valid agreement, cleaning the common areas is the landlord's matter. Often, however, it is passed on to the tenants or billed via the operating costs.

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A cleaning duty must be clearly stated in the lease or in validly incorporated house rules. Blanket, unclear clauses can be invalid.

If a tenant persistently fails to fulfill their agreed cleaning duty, the landlord can issue a warning and, if it recurs, commission a cleaning company and pass on the costs, but only with a valid agreement.

What you should do now

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1. Read the contract and house rules
Check whether and how the stairwell cleaning is regulated.
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2. Clarify the scope
See which areas, which cycle and which rooms are covered.
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3. Document in a dispute
Record who cleaned and when if there are conflicts over the cleaning schedule.
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4. Clarify in writing
In a persistent dispute you can initiate a clear, fair cleaning arrangement in writing.

How to spot the scam

There is no clear cleaning schedule, but accusations of not cleaning.
The cost of a cleaning company is passed on without this having been agreed.
An invalid or unclear cleaning clause is enforced.

Frequently asked questions

Do I as a tenant have to clean the stairwell?

Only if this is validly agreed, in the lease or incorporated house rules. Without such a rule, cleaning the common areas is the landlord's task, and the landlord can pass on the costs as operating costs.

May the landlord commission a cleaning company at my expense?

Only if passing on such costs or a substitute performance is agreed and you fail to fulfill your duty despite a warning. Simply commissioning a company without a basis and passing on the cost is not permissible.

Does the cleaning schedule also apply during vacation?

The duty remains, but you may have someone stand in for you, for example by swapping with neighbors. You must ensure your week is covered, but you can fulfill it flexibly in organizational terms.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.