there is nothing in our contract about this, and there are lots of kids in the complex (even a small playground on the grounds), so I know it isn't an issue to have kids in the complex we are in, but just wondering what the standard protocol is here with the apartment rental agency when you are going to have a new baby coming into the apt.

Is it common courtesy to let neighbours know as well (we never see our neighbours so it's not as easy as just telling them!)

thanks!

I dont see the need to, nor the logic for it. Its your life?!!!

To be safe, check your rental agreement. Sometimes they have the max number of people in the contract. If something is written and you are within the max limit, then it is just a judgement call on your side to tell your agency. Regarding the neighbors, I guess it is always courtesy to do so, but I would suggest it as a more happy annoucement of the baby when it comes...quick note/card in all the mailboxes...

The annual water bill, lift servicing charges, gardener, stair cleaning charges etc etc are usually divided up equally between the occupants.

If you have an extra person, then you should tell the building administrators so the extra charges (Nebenkosten) can be accurately accounted.

Short answer: inform them soon after the birth.

Congrats on the family expansion

Rental Agency yes , I would just mention it to them . It does no harm and
It will save time / argument if they find out later and are not happy with the little member addition

Neighbours: Not sure I would not, you could occasionally bump into them and I assume they can figure out that you are expecting a baby.

Are you sure about this? Our Nebenkosten were always decided on a flat -by-flat basis, not the number of occupants in each flat.

On the front page of your lease it will state maximum number of persons living in the apartment. Any change to this (new baby) would require you to notify management. The requirement to do is often a condition in the lease. However, a baby on the way is not when I would do this. II woueld wait until once you have the baby and are back home and settled. Then you can advise them. Good luck with your pregnancy and the new arrival.

our building is done by flat, not number of occupants in each, otherwise I might have to start hiding my husband

Thanks everyone - will wait until after the baby comes home and will let the agency (and our neighbours via a fun announcement - great idea!) know and hopefully everyone will be good with it. Since we've had one neighbour complain to the property manager about the little bit of white dog hair that comes off the dogs as we walk to the elevator, not too sure how they are going to react to a baby crying in the middle of the night so here is hoping that the little guy is a great sleeper

Remember to also inform your house and content insurance people(!)
It wont be a real issue for the first year, but toy cars dropped on porcelain sinks can be expensive! As can lipstick-artwork on walls...

Indeed, our portion is the area of the apartment / sum area of all apartments.

1 person living in a 4 1/2 will pay more than 3 people in a 2 1/2.

Tom

A good rental agency splits the extra costs on a per head count, and the heating costs on a per square meter ratio.

Hi there,

That's what we did when our youngest was born. We just send the renting agency a nice birth announcement. We got a congrats card back with a letter thanking us for letting them know.

Fortunately we have great neighbours. So if any of them are awake due to our baby, they never complained.

KR,
Henk