Many flats in Germany are let without kitchen units or appliances (ohne Einbauküche). New tenants either take over the previous tenant's kitchen or plan and install their own.

Taking over the previous tenant's kitchen (Ablösevereinbarung)

The most convenient option is to buy the installed kitchen from the outgoing tenant. You conclude a separate purchase contract for the fitted kitchen. Important: the landlord is not a party to this deal and gives no warranty for the appliances.

Assessing the real value

If taking over the kitchen is linked to getting the flat, the law limits the price: the agreement is invalid to the extent that the price is clearly disproportionate to the value of the furniture. As a rough rule of thumb, a kitchen loses about 10% of its value per year. A kitchen that cost €5,000 is therefore worth more like €2,000 to €2,500 after five years.

Lead times for new kitchens

At furniture stores and kitchen studios, delivery and installation often take six to twelve weeks after the final measurements. Modular IKEA kitchens can be assembled faster, but delivery and installation services also need to be booked in advance.

High-voltage connection only by an electrician

You must not connect an electric hob to the three-phase supply (Starkstrom, 400 V) yourself. Hire a qualified electrician and ask for confirmation of the connection; your insurer may ask for it.

What to check

  • If you take over a kitchen, sign a separate written purchase contract with a list of appliances.
  • Have the room professionally measured before planning.
  • Confirm delivery and installation dates before buying.
  • Hire a qualified electrician to connect the hob.

Example situation

A new tenant buys a high-quality fitted kitchen with a Bosch dishwasher from the previous tenant for €1,800, saves on installation time and can cook from day one.

Next step

Taking over the outgoing tenant's kitchen saves weeks of waiting; ask for receipts and warranty documents for the appliances.

Official information on this topic

Checklists and examples are organisational recommendations. Requirements depend on the procedure, the city and your situation; check them with the relevant office before you act. Please discuss legal and tax questions with an authorised professional.

This article was prepared with the help of AI. The example illustrates the approach and does not describe a client case.