A new job, a temporary project or the desire for flexible use of living space - traditional rental contracts are often no longer suitable for modern living situations. At the same time, owners are looking for high-yield but flexible rental models. Temporary living offers a solution here: for people who want to live temporarily and for providers who want to use living space strategically.

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The most important facts in brief:

• Temporary living means renting a fully furnished, ready-to-move-in apartment for a limited period of time without a long-term commitment.
• The rental period is fixed from the outset and is usually at least 3 months, or longer depending on the city.
• The housing concept is aimed at people who need temporary accommodation for professional or personal reasons and is subject to tenancy law, depending on the duration.

Table of contents:

1. What is temporary housing?
2. Who is eligible for temporary housing?
3. What are the advantages of temporary accommodation for tenants?
4. What are the advantages of temporary accommodation for landlords?
5. How does temporary living work in practice?
6. What do you need to bear in mind with temporary living?
7. Conclusion
8. FAQ - Frequently asked questions about temporary living

Definition and characteristics

Temporary living is the temporary provision of furnished accommodation for a defined period, usually between a few months and a year. It serves as a flexible interim solution with a fully equipped infrastructure and flat-rate billing.

Key aspects of temporary living

• Furnishing & equipment: Fully furnished including kitchen, bed linen and Internet (WLAN).
• Contract structure: Fixed-term rental contracts with automatic termination without the need to give notice.
• Cost structure: Usually flat-rate rents that cover all ancillary costs and often additional services.
• Target groups: Young professionals, project workers, commuters, students as well as expats or people in transitional phases.

Common formats

1. Serviced apartments: Apartments with hotel-like additional services (cleaning, laundry service).
2. Boardinghouses: Accommodation in urban centers for longer stays.
3. Intermediate rent: Temporary subletting in privately used properties.

Temporary living is renting an apartment for a limited period of time, usually including full furnishing and equipment. Unlike a traditional open-ended tenancy, it is clear from the outset that the tenancy will end after a certain period.

In practice, this means that You rent an apartment for a few months or a few years, for example, and then move out again without making any long-term commitments. These are often fixed-term tenancy agreements (temporary tenancy agreements) in which the start and end of the tenancy are precisely defined in the contract.

In Germany, the minimum rental period for temporary accommodation is usually at least 3 months, in some cities even 6 months. Shorter periods tend to fall under vacation or short-term rentals.

As a general rule, the apartment is fully furnished and ready to move into so that the tenant can move in straight away - similar to an apartment hotel or boarding house. It is important not to confuse temporary living with vacation apartments. The concept is aimed at temporary residents, not vacationers.

"Accordingly, temporary living (depending on the duration) is subject to tenancy law and not travel law, which means that a fixed-term tenancy agreement is concluded and certain tenancy law rules apply," emphasizes Norbert Verbücheln, Managing Director of Mr. Lodge in Munich, one of the leading providers of temporary living.

Although some private individuals are now also using furnished apartments for interim rentals on longer trips, this living concept is not primarily a vacation accommodation. Rather, it is a temporary living solution for people who are temporarily living and working in a city - not for traditional holidaymakers.

Temporary living is aimed at various target groups who need a flexible housing solution. More and more people today are dependent on professional or personal mobility and make use of temporary housing. Typical groups are, for example

Professionals on a project basis or business travelers

• Specialists and managers who work in another city for a few months (e.g. project staff, consultants or expats) appreciate a furnished apartment as they do not want to settle down permanently.

For tenants, temporary living offers numerous advantages over a conventional rental or a long stay in a hotel. Here are the most important advantages from the tenant's point of view:

Flexibility of the rental period

• Unlike open-ended rental contracts with a long-term commitment (and the usual notice period of 3 months), you can rent for exactly the period you need from the outset.
• This meets the modern need to only live in one place for as long as your job or studies require.
• You avoid being tied to an apartment for longer than necessary and can easily move on or return at the end of the rental period.

Move in quickly without the stress of moving

• Temporary furnished apartments are ready to move into, with everything you need from the sofa to the bed to the kitchen.
• This means that tenants can often find a suitable apartment within a short space of time and move in immediately without having to buy furniture or organize a costly move.
• The usual moving costs (furniture transportation, lorries, etc.) are largely eliminated, which saves a lot of time and stress.

Comfort and privacy instead of a hotel

• A temporary apartment generally offers more space, privacy and a homely feeling compared to a hotel room.
• Especially for longer stays, tenants appreciate the opportunity to furnish themselves in a real apartment, cook their own meals and receive visitors - in short, to live as if they were in their own four walls.
• At the same time, furnished apartments are often tastefully decorated, so there is no need to worry about a sterile atmosphere.
• Many offers are also in attractive locations (e.g. close to the city center or with good transport links), which makes everyday life easier.

Cost savings compared to a hotel

• For longer stays, temporary accommodation is usually cheaper than a month-long hotel stay.
• The rent often already includes utilities and internet, and the furnishing surcharge adds around 10-30% to the cost compared to an unfurnished apartment.
• However, you are happy to pay this for the comfort offered, especially as a hotel in a similar location would cost far more.
• In addition, there are no hidden fees with reputable offers; the conditions are clearly regulated in the rental agreement.

No hassle when moving out

• If you have only rented the apartment for a limited period, the tenancy ends automatically on the agreed date.
• You then simply move out without having to look for a new tenant or renovate (assuming normal wear and tear).
• The deposit is returned to you after the apartment has been handed over properly.
• This informality takes a lot of pressure off tenants who may already be planning their next move.

"For longer stays, a furnished apartment is much more pleasant than a hotel - you basically just arrive with your suitcase and feel right at home," says Norbert Verbücheln from Mr. Lodge.

Discover rental offers

In summary, temporary living offers tenants maximum flexibility and convenience.

Especially those who frequently change location or need a temporary place to stay can live in an uncomplicated way without having to invest an enormous amount of money and effort in each change of location.

Temporary letting can also be very attractive for landlords, owners or investors.

This business model differs from traditional permanent letting in a number of ways and opens up special opportunities:

Higher rental income

• One clear advantage is the possibility of adding a furnishing surcharge to the rent, as the apartment is provided fully furnished.
• Furnished apartments often bring in 10-30% more rent than unfurnished apartments, and such surcharges are common.
• Even in cities with rent control, a reasonable surcharge for furnishings is permitted as long as it is based on the current value of the furnishings.
• Landlords can therefore achieve significantly higher yields with temporary, furnished rentals than with unfurnished contracts.

High demand, low vacancy rates

• In many regions, there is high demand for temporary furnished accommodation, whether from companies looking for accommodation for employees or from private individuals in the above-mentioned target groups.
• The potential tenant target group is correspondingly large, which makes it easier for landlords to let their properties quickly.
• The attractive focus on commuters, expats, etc. means that vacancies can often be reduced to a minimum.
• The apartment is usually quickly occupied again, provided the price and offer are right.

More flexibility and control

• With temporary living, landlords are not tied to a tenant for the long term.
• Fixed-term tenancy agreements end automatically, so the owner is free to decide whether to rent out the property again, use it themselves or even sell it.
• This flexibility is particularly advantageous if you have earmarked the apartment for your own use or want to react to changes in the market.
• Rent adjustments are also easier to implement: The price can be reset after each rental period to bring it into line with current market levels, whereas rent increases are regulated for open-ended tenancies.

Lower default and tenant risk

• Due to the shorter rental period, there is a lower risk of tenant default.
• Temporary tenants often pay the rent in advance for several months, or at least long-term rent arrears are less frequent as the end of the contract is foreseeable.
• If there are problems with a tenant, the landlord is not tied to them for years and conflicts are limited, as a difficult tenant will soon have to vacate the apartment.
• In addition, if individual furnished rooms are rented out in the apartment occupied by the landlord himself, even shorter notice periods apply (in this case, the landlord can terminate the contract without giving reasons with just two weeks' notice, Section 573c BGB).
• All in all, the landlord risk can be managed in this way.

Tax advantages and depreciation

• The costs of furnishing and equipping the apartment can be claimed for tax purposes.
• Purchases of furniture and appliances can be written off over the years; smaller furnishings up to €800 net can even be written off in full immediately in the year of purchase.
• Ongoing expenses such as repairs, cleaning services or estate agent costs can also be deducted as income-related expenses.
• This reduces the tax burden and increases the net profit from the rental.
• An example: If a landlord invests €3,000 in new furniture, he can deduct around €300 of this per year for tax purposes.

Of course, renting out furnished also involves somewhat higher costs - from furnishing the apartment to regular tenant changes and looking after the tenants.

But if you pay attention to high-quality furnishings and offer value for money in line with the market, you can create a win-win situation: satisfied tenants and a profitable investment for the landlord. It is important to know the legal framework and manage it professionally (more on this in the next section).

Rent securely and flexibly with Mr. Lodge:

• Maximum reach and verified tenants.
• Strict tenant pre-qualification for your property.
• Personal contact partners provide you with fast, uncomplicated, friendly and helpful support every step of the way.

Procedure for tenants

• Renting a temporary apartment works in a similar way to a normal apartment search, but is usually much quicker and less complicated.
• Interested parties can search for furnished apartments via specialized online portals or real estate agents, often filtering by city, rental period and furnishings.
• After making contact and viewing (in person or virtually), a fixed-term tenancy agreement is concluded, which specifies the start and end dates of the tenancy.
• It is also usual to pay a deposit (usually 1-3 months' rent), which the tenant pays and receives back after moving out, provided no damage has occurred.
• Many providers charge all rental costs warm (including utilities, internet, etc.) as a lump sum in advance for the first month; after that, the tenant pays monthly as usual.
• On the move-in date, the tenant receives the landlord's confirmation of residence, which they can use to register with the residents' registration office (required by law).
• Then it's time to unpack the suitcases and move in - thanks to complete furnishing, there is no need to lug around furniture.
• During the rental period, the usual tenant rights apply depending on the duration of the contract (for contracts over 6 months, tenant protection and rent control apply, for shorter so-called short-term rentals, some protective regulations do not apply).
• At the end of the agreed period, the tenant moves out in due time; if he wishes to extend the lease, this must be agreed again in good time, as the original contract ends automatically.

Procedure for landlords

• If you want to let your apartment on a temporary basis, you should first ensure that it is attractively furnished and equipped.
• The apartment must be furnished in such a way that a tenant can move in without any additional effort (bed, wardrobe, seating furniture, fully equipped kitchen, etc. are part of the basic furnishings).
• The landlord can then offer the property through suitable channels. Agencies or brokerage platforms that specialize in furnished short-term rentals are often used for this. Once a tenant has been found, a fixed-term rental agreement is drawn up.
• During the rental period, the landlord ensures that the apartment remains in the condition stipulated in the contract, e.g. repairs for defects that were not caused by the tenant must be carried out promptly.
• Experts therefore recommend seeking the support of an experienced partner who can respond professionally.
• At the end of the rental period, the apartment is inspected together with the tenant; it is advisable to use an inventory list to check the condition of the furniture and rooms, as documented when the tenant moved in.
• This allows any damage to be clearly identified. After a successful handover, the tenant receives the deposit back and the landlord can prepare the apartment for the next tenant.

Overall, the process of temporary living is well organized: From finding an apartment to moving out, both sides benefit from clearly regulated yet flexible structures.

"Landlords should familiarize themselves with the legal requirements in advance (reasons for a fixed term, local regulations on misappropriation in large cities, etc.) and tenants should read the terms of the contract carefully (e.g. whether there is an option to extend)," emphasizes Norbert Verbücheln from Mr. Lodge.

Then nothing stands in the way of a successful rental.

Whether you are a tenant or a landlord, there are a few important aspects to bear in mind when renting a temporary home:

Legal framework

• Fixed-term tenancy agreements require a material reason. The landlord must state in the contract why the tenancy is limited in time (e.g. personal use after the end of the tenancy, planned conversion). If this reason is missing, the contract is automatically deemed to be for an indefinite period.
• In addition, the usual tenant protection generally applies; however, certain rules such as rent control or protection against dismissal do not apply to very short rental periods (up to 6 months).
• You should therefore find out about the current legal regulations if you are looking for a very short rental period.

Obligation to register (registration system)

• Even if you are "only" living temporarily, you must register with the residents' registration office if you have no other place of residence in Germany. The landlord is obliged to issue the tenant with a landlord's confirmation of residence within 14 days of moving in.
• This obligation also applies to furnished apartments and must not be neglected - otherwise the landlord may be fined. Tenants should therefore ensure that they receive this document in good time in order to comply with their registration obligation.

Subletting and permission

• Many temporary living situations arise through subletting - for example, when a main tenant sublets their apartment temporarily (interim rent, e.g. for stays abroad). The following applies here: A tenant may only sublet their apartment with the landlord's consent.
• According to § 540 BGB, the landlord must be asked for permission and may only refuse it for good cause. Anyone who sublets without permission risks termination. Main tenants should therefore obtain written permission in good time before offering their apartment on a temporary basis.
• Landlords, on the other hand, cannot arbitrarily refuse permission if their tenant has a legitimate interest (e.g. temporary change of job).

Tenancy agreement and inventory list

• The tenancy agreement for temporary accommodation should be as clear and detailed as necessary. In particular, it should state which furnishings and equipment are also rented.
• It is advisable to attach an inventory list of all furnishings to the contract, including their condition on moving in. If both parties sign this list, disputes about missing or damaged items are largely ruled out later.
• The contract should also include the service charge regulations, a possible flat-rate rent including furnishing surcharge and the amount of the deposit.
• As a rule, a deposit of up to three months' rent is charged for temporary accommodation (statutory maximum), which is held in trust in a separate account.

Local regulations

• In some large cities, there are regulations on short-term rentals (keyword: prohibition of misappropriation). These are mainly aimed at vacation apartments, but can also affect furnished interim rentals, especially if the rental period is very short.
• As a landlord, you should ensure that the rental is legal. For example, there may be upper limits on how long you can rent to changing tenants per year without obtaining permission.
• Find out from your local authority whether there are any requirements for the planned rental period. If in doubt, tenants can contact the landlord to make sure that their tenancy is within the regulations.

Insurance and liability

• In the case of furnished apartments, liability for furnishings and damage is an issue. Tenants should have liability insurance that also covers damage to rented property, so they are protected if they accidentally damage furniture or fixtures.
• Landlords can also take out household contents insurance for the furnished apartment. In general, the main tenant (in the case of subletting) remains responsible to the owner for the apartment, which is why there should be a clause in the subletting agreement that makes the subtenant liable for any damage caused by them.
• Clear agreements on cleaning (intermediate cleaning, final cleaning fee, etc.) are also useful so that there are no disagreements at the end.

If both parties observe these points, nothing stands in the way of a smooth process. Transparency and communication are crucial when it comes to temporary living:

If all conditions are openly discussed and set out in a contract, both tenants and landlords can enjoy the benefits of this flexible form of living without any nasty surprises.

Temporary living offers a modern, flexible solution for temporary housing needs. Tenants enjoy the convenience of a fully furnished apartment without a long-term commitment, and landlords can use their property efficiently and rent it out profitably.

"Furnished living is no longer a niche model, but a building block of modern working and living environments - it closes a clear gap between hotels and traditional living," sums up Norbert Verbücheln.

With a clear understanding of the advantages, obligations and framework conditions, nothing stands in the way of a successful interim rental - be it for a new project in a foreign country, to start studying in another city or to bridge the gap until the next permanent home.