Core position: a lease is not secure only because keys were delivered or an electronic declaration was submitted. Real protection comes from a written agreement that describes the property, the permitted use, rent, deposit, repairs, common expenses, duration, termination and handover evidence.

This guide is informational and does not replace advice on a specific lease. A residential lease, a commercial lease, short term accommodation and simple use of property may create different rights and obligations. The legal assessment depends on the document, the actual use and the evidence kept by both parties.

1. The written agreement

The lease should identify the parties, the property, the use, the rent, payment method, deposit, duration, renewal, repairs, utilities, common expenses, insurance, sublease, early termination and the condition of the property at delivery. General wording is not enough when a dispute arises about damage, unpaid rent or prohibited use.

2. Declaration and payment evidence

Electronic tax declaration is important, but it does not replace the private agreement. The parties should keep the signed lease, declaration acceptance, bank payments, receipts, utility evidence and all later amendments. Cash payments or informal changes create avoidable proof problems.

3. Repairs, damage and handover

Many lease disputes begin with unclear responsibility for repairs. The agreement should distinguish ordinary maintenance, structural problems, damage caused by use and improvements requested by the tenant. Photographs, inventory lists and delivery protocols are often more useful than broad statements made after the conflict.

4. Termination and exit

Before leaving or requesting eviction, the party should check notice requirements, unpaid amounts, deposit set off, utility balances and the agreed handover process. Unclear exits can turn a simple lease into a claim for rent, damages, restoration costs or loss of use.

5. Practical next step

The safe approach is to review the lease before signing, organise payment and communication evidence during the relationship, and document the property condition at both entry and exit. A short legal check is especially useful for commercial premises, subleases and leases connected with business permits.

Lease file before keys change hands

A safe lease file should exist before the tenant receives the keys. It should contain the written agreement, property description, permitted use, rent and deposit terms, utility readings, number of keys, photographs, equipment list, energy certificate where required and the electronic lease declaration. The electronic declaration is important for tax purposes, but it should match the private agreement. If the declaration says different rent, duration or use, the parties create avoidable proof problems.

Repairs, common charges and termination should not be left to memory. The agreement should distinguish ordinary wear from damage, daily-use costs from owner costs, and small repairs from structural or essential repairs. At departure, the parties should record final readings, return of keys, unpaid utilities, common charges, condition of the property and how the deposit will be returned or offset. Sublease, short-term platform use, professional co-location or use by a related company should be written in advance, not assumed after the business starts.