I recently stumbled upon a fascinating aspect of German life that most people outside of Germany probably don’t know about: Kehrwoche, or cleaning week. This article will explain what Kehrwoche is and why it’s such a unique part of German culture.
Kehrwoche is a system where tenants in apartment buildings share the responsibility of cleaning communal areas like hallways and staircases. Think of it as a rotating cleaning schedule, ensuring everyone contributes to maintaining a clean and pleasant living environment. But it’s not just about tidiness; there’s a legal element to it too!
The rules regarding Kehrwoche, officially part of something called “Hausordnung” (house rules), used to be the law in southwest Germany, and they are still required if included in your rental agreement. This practice dates back to the 15th century, demonstrating its deep roots in German tradition.
Keep reading to find out all about this tradition.
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The video below explores the lesser-known “Hausordnung,” or house rules, in Germany, which dictate cleaning responsibilities for tenants. You’ll discover how these rules, sometimes even involving sweeping streets, are part of the culture for some parts of the population.
This isn’t just an interesting cultural observation; it’s crucial information, especially for those living in Germany. The video details the types of cleaning responsibilities that can fall under a tenant’s purview, from hallways and staircases to even larger areas like pavements, depending on your lease agreement.
It also dives into the historical roots of these rules. By watching, you’ll gain a practical understanding of your responsibilities as a renter in Germany and avoid potential legal pitfalls. You’ll even get a handy tip on being prepared for your cleaning duties!
Below the video is a summary.
Cleaning Law in Germany called Hausordnung by Jesse Lopez Vlog
German rental agreements often include “Hausordnung,” outlining tenant responsibilities for cleaning shared spaces like staircases and even streets, a tradition dating back to the 15th century.
- German rental agreements may obligate tenants to clean shared areas.
- “Hausordnung” specifies cleaning duties, varying in scope (“small” vs. “large”).
- A “small” Hausordnung covers hallways and staircases.
- A “large” Hausordnung may include cleaning pavements in front of the building.
- Landlords and tenants can easily see who is responsible for cleaning duties thanks to a sign that’s often hung on the door of the tenant responsible for the week
- Keeping a cleaning bucket ready to go is advisable for tenants.
Want to learn more about German culture? Find our guide to how to pretend to be German here and some habits you might pick up in Germany here. You can also find all our guides to German culture here.Â
