ᐅ Is it possible to leave a newly built apartment unoccupied without causing mold?

Hello, we are currently buying a new apartment in Berlin, which should be ready by early 2020. However, we won’t move in right away because I still work in another city. We will probably move in only in 2021. We thought that was actually a good thing. This way, we can take our time to choose a nice kitchen, maybe install built-in wardrobes, etc.

Now I am reading everywhere that new buildings tend to be damp and that you have to ventilate and heat quite carefully to avoid mold. The thing is: we don’t live in Berlin! Of course, we will visit every few months and can ventilate then. But for the rest of the time, the apartment will be empty and the windows will be closed. Is that a big problem?

Yes.
If the homeowners’ association finds out, they also won’t be happy in terms of the building’s structural condition if the apartment is not properly maintained.

Is there a ventilation system?

Find someone to ventilate for you if you don’t have a technical solution for it.

Proper heating and ventilation are definitely important... Heating shouldn’t be an issue as you can adjust it accordingly. Ventilation... Well, if you don’t have a mechanical ventilation system, then someone should go in and ventilate regularly.

Or clarify that window rebate vents will be installed. They cost a little extra but at least ensure basic ventilation.

Joedreck schrieb:

Or clarify that window rebate ventilators will be installed. They cost a bit extra but at least ensure basic ventilation.

According to the Energy Saving Ordinance, these should be installed as a minimum requirement – that’s my assumption. The original poster should verify this.