Discovering Luxembourg

Housing Home Finding

The majority of people live in the south of the country, known as the Gutland . In this region, 25 percent of the people (including most expats) live in Luxembourg City or the surrounding areas. Rental prices are continually rising, and availability is limited. The center of the city is the most expensive and the surge of ‘home-office’ options has reduced the cost saving previously found in the suburbs. Most apartments are unfurnished, though furnished places may be available for an additional monthly premium. Rentals typically include a parking option, a private cellar for storage, a communal laundry room ( buanderie ) with a spot for your own washing machine and dryer (machines are not shared in Luxembourg). Unfortunately for pet owners, the majority of landlords will not accept pets. Please ask your DSC for advice on how to best apply for pet-friendly properties. Most properties are rented out by estate agents, who typically work from 9am-5pm Monday- Friday only. Children over the age of approx. 8 years and especially if not of the same gender, are required to have individual bedrooms. For example, a family with an 8-year-old son and 9- year-old-daughter will not be accepted in rental accommodation with less than 3 bedrooms. The standard lease contracts are for 1-3 years. When the period of the contract ends, it is automatically renewed for one more year, regardless of the original term, unless the landlord and the tenant agree differently. It is usually required to give three months’ written notice to break or terminate a lease. It has become common practice to include a so-called ‘diplomatic clause’ in the standard lease form. This clause permits termination of the lease with sufficient notice, if the tenant is transferred abroad for professional reasons before the lease expiration date. If the diplomatic clause is not included, and the tenant terminates the lease prior to fixed term, the tenant is responsible for all payments to the end of the lease or until another tenant is secured by the landlord. Monthly Rent The lease indicates the monthly rent amount, the payment due date and method of payment. It may be required to set up a standing payment order with the bank to assure the landlord of reliable payment. The landlord has the right to increase the amount of monthly rent amount every two years in line with adjustments to the National Consumer Index. In addition to your rent, you’ll typically be required to pay monthly utility charges. In an apartment, this is a communal charge estimate based on the previous year’s consumption and any discrepancy will be balanced at year-end. Common charges include heating, water/sewage, common area maintenance as well as regular common areas cleaning. In a house, the charges are often paid directly by the tenant to the utility provider. Electricity and telecommunications are always paid directly by the tenant to the provider, regardless of the type of accommodation. What is covered under these additional charges may vary by property and will be detailed in the lease contract. Keeping all these details in mind will help you successfully find a new home. Understanding the Rental Contract Lease duration

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Discovering Luxembourg