What are the weekly counts of your energy consumption.jpg

The December 2018 European Union directive on energy efficiency in buildings makes it clear that residential buildings must install consumption monitoring systems for heating and hot water.

Since October 2020, the landlord must give the tenant semi-annual information on their consumption. This year, this information has become monthly and is communicated openly rather than passively via the web. By 2027, every meter will have to be equipped with remote reading technology.

This is where ista is leading the way. The Luxembourg company anticipated the regulations and developed a game-changing response: a state-of-the-art, fully automated remote reading device based on two-way radio communication. Consumption data is transferred weekly via this new application, which was designed in-house for the end customer.

This system is also more efficient because meter readers will no longer have to visit the home.

## Using advanced technology to read meters remotely

Ista's German parent company is currently developing this software, which will be tested in two or three projects in Luxembourg. The end user can access information about his or her heating and hot water consumption, as well as an estimate of expenses, via the app, which is based on the latest meter readings.

In addition to reducing residents' monthly costs, the app will educate them on ways to preserve the environment.

About 20% of Luxembourg's carbon dioxide emissions come from home heating and hot water consumption. So this is a fantastic savings opportunity.

## The question here is: how does this application work?

The ista team will install the meters to track the amount of energy used for heating, hot water and cold water, and test the reading system to make sure it works properly. A GSM-connected gateway is installed, and data from the apartment meters is collected via a separate antenna. Once a week, the server makes a call to this gateway and downloads all the consumption statistics of the apartments.

What are the weekly counts of your energy consumption?

What work needs to be done on a rental property in Luxembourg.jpg

You are a landlord in Luxembourg and your tenant has contacted you to ask for permission to carry out certain repairs in the apartment he rents. Could you stop him from doing so if you wanted to? How do you get everyone to agree? When you work with someone, it's important to know your rights as well as theirs. Our answers!

## The tenant's right to decorate

Disputes concerning the completion (or lack thereof) of home improvement projects are a frequent source of friction in the individual real estate market in Luxembourg. In practice, the lease remains the reference contract that sets out the uses, rights and responsibilities of each party.

For this reason, the tenant may be required by the lease to return the property with the same color paint on the walls. However, this will not prevent the tenant from painting the walls in any style he or she wishes while living there. After taking inventory of the fixtures to be removed, he can easily restore them to their original color.

You have no legal standing to prevent your tenant from decorating his studio with paint. He has the possibility to use colors totally different from the standard palette if he wishes. The tenant is responsible for all costs associated with returning the apartment to its pre-tenancy condition, including but not limited to painting the walls before the lease is considered terminated.

## Any changes or repairs must always be approved by the landlord

Your studio tenant writes or calls you to let you know that they want to make renovations to make the space more livable. Rearranging the kitchen by getting rid of old furniture, updating the bathroom with water-saving faucets, or even installing glass over the bathtub can all be helpful.

You must make a formal request for the tenant to undertake any of these activities; otherwise, they will not be undertaken. And if it's just a few minor tweaks, they can't force you to invest with them (but if you agree to the work and think it's a pretty good idea, you can freely contribute to the expense).

Although your tenant may be willing to make repairs or renovations to the apartment at his or her own expense, you are entitled to refuse these requests. If he or she changes the apartment without your permission, for example by replacing the faucets, you can ask him or her to return everything to its previous state.

## Agree with your tenant!

Negotiations between tenants and landlords can be difficult when it comes to making changes to the apartment, as tenants and landlords often have different ideas about what constitutes an acceptable improvement (and not necessarily the same concept of comfort). However, in order to keep the peace during the lease, you should pay close attention to your tenant's requests and not be afraid to hire an agency to handle the administration of work, repairs and other complaints that may arise. This will save you time, avoid disputes and lighten your daily load.

What work needs to be done on a rental property in Luxembourg?

A Practical Guide to Quality Luxembourgian Rentals.jpg

Looking for a Luxembourg apartment rental? But you have no idea how to begin or where to look for relevant data... Therefore, we have compiled a useful guide to assist you in your rental endeavors.

## Location: An Overview of Your Housing Options

In need of a rental but not sure what kind to look for? There is a wide variety of options available to students looking for a place to live, including unfurnished and furnished housing, shared apartments, and private rooms. We will now examine the various forms of lodging and the benefits and drawbacks associated with each.

## Tips for tenants on creating a solid record

The number of available rental units is insufficient in many areas of Luxembourg. With housing options so limited, it's important to be prepared to maximize any advantages you do have. However, there are a few key things you can do to ensure that your application stands out from the crowd...

## Pre-lease inspection checklist

A lease or rental agreement should be given some thought before being signed. You can rest assured by checking off these few items. As soon as you sign a lease, you have the legal status of a tenant and are obligated to make your monthly rent payments. There must be adequate safeguards in the contract.

## Information for tenants regarding the security deposit

Landlords typically stipulate such a clause in their leases for whatever duration the new tenant desires. This initial payment serves as a security deposit that can be retained by the landlord in the event of tenant misconduct (such as late rent or damage to the property).

## How about the responsibilities and protections of the tenant during the lease term?

When you sign a lease with the property owner, you are validating an agreement in which the rights and responsibilities of the lessor and the lessee are spelled out in detail. Yet you still have responsibilities. Learning more about a situation increases your safety....

A practical guide to quality Luxembourg rentals

Christmas decorations for 2022.jpg

Infinite preparations must now be made for the Christmas holiday. How do you intend to approach the coming year? How do you intend to come up with a solution? Are you going to rummage through your storage shed for old ideas or rush out to buy something new? A third option, creation, presents itself as a fascinating possibility for the more adventurous. Where can I find tips on how to make next year's Christmas in 2022 truly spectacular? 

## This is an understatement for 2022: it has been a very busy year

Christmas appears as a yearning for joy, a need for unmatched celebrations in spite of dietary constraints. We hope for it, hoping that this holiday will mark a return to basics and traditions. There is no substitute for upholding one's roots and traditional values. We feed an innate desire to cherish time spent with loved ones. How will you set the mood in your home after you've decorated it with the obligatory Christmas tree, the traditional wreath, the advent calendar, and other typical ornaments of this celebration?

## When decorating for the holidays in 2022, what theme should we use?

The month of December is a time of change. Your decor suddenly takes on a festive holiday tone. There's plenty of space for everyone from the foyer through the dining area.

The first step is deciding what sort of vibe you want to create in your abode: Danish Christmas hygge, with all its emphasis on natural, colorful, cozy, traditional elements... Which do you prefer: pure and soft touches, or a departure from your minimalist norms for the occasion? As such, we'd like to show you some fresh territory.

Excessive packaging, tree cutting, and other Christmas traditions can be bad for the environment. The Earth that we all call home is in danger, but we can try to protect it in different ways. Everything can come together quickly with some inspiration from branches, leaves, pine cones, and other natural elements.

## An eco-friendly way to count down to Christmas

Small cardboard cubes that can be recycled annually, a wooden branch with numbered paper clips, or even our dear toilet paper rolls are all great options for the latecomers.
This year, I decided to get my kids an advent calendar made of wood, which I plan to use every year and fill with little notes of affection, snacks, and treats. Craft or fabric bags are an alternative.

## The Christmas wreath is a welcome addition to the traditional holiday decor

Assuming they are still available, the great Christmas classics can be enjoyed again through lovely DIY ideas to recreate them at home. How about we treat eucalyptus's entrance to the party like fir branches do to the Christmas wreath? Don't hold back on your creative thinking. Square, equilateral, it doesn't matter. Your Christmas ornament will be complete with pompoms and wooden beads.

What's more, that's not all. Create your own eucalyptus garlands and table centerpieces and you will be pleased.
What if we decided to take it easy this holiday season? By opting for eco-friendly, waste-free, do-it-yourself decorations and French artisanal goods instead?

## Waste-free, all-natural fir trees for the holidays

In my wanderings the other day, I found myself contemplating the origins of Christmas and the mystery that surrounds it. What makes a Christmas tree more festive, decorating it or just having it in your living room?

You will find a plethora of create a DIY Christmas tree that will last for years to come. An assortment of naturally occurring trees that generate no waste, are space-efficient, and can be used over and over again are presented here.
- Weave your tree into the wall with some branches
- Formal evaluations and grades
- Flowers made from branches
- A tree out of felt.
- Dried flowers adorn a poetic tree
- Folding and assembling origami
- Make your own out of wood

A large green plant, or even a cactus, will do the trick, if you're looking for something that's a little more unique and shocking.

If you answered "yes" to the first question, I recommend borrowing a potted tree from one of several different organizations or purchasing one that is certified organic. This is the best way to observe the tradition while also doing your part for the environment.

## Creating your own handmade holiday decor

We went on a nature walk and gathered some ferns and green leaves to put in clear balls; when we added a white feather, the magic worked again.
For the savvy, I offer the suggestion of slicing an orange, gathering cinnamon sticks from a tree branch, and collecting pine cones to create something lovely for the home or as a unique Christmas decoration.
Small ornaments can be crafted from wool by wrapping the material around a cardboard star. Try giving your kids some salt dough or colored modeling clay to work with. You can make beautiful, shiny stars with your baking molds that you can enjoy year after year.

Christmas decorations for 2022: modern or traditional?

What should I do about my noisy neighbor.jpg

Many people have to deal with a noisy and dangerous environment on a regular basis. What should you do if you are constantly disturbed by things like loud music, clicking heels and shouting? Your rights and the responsibilities of those who make your life difficult are discussed in more detail below.

## Neighborhood disturbances are a common concern in Luxembourg

In a European comparison, Luxembourgers are among the top ten people who complain about their neighbors. Indeed, 19.3% of Luxembourgers surveyed in a Eurostat survey in early 2020 complained about noise pollution from their neighbors.

This is a higher percentage than in France (18.2%) or Belgium (17.7%), if one takes into account that the survey concerns both residents of apartments and houses and that street noise was also taken into account in the statistical survey.

Although Luxembourgers are more relaxed than their European counterparts when it comes to their neighbors (almost 28% of Germans surveyed said they were bothered by noise), many are still looking for ways to restore their peace and quiet: what can you do when your neighbors do not care about their own nuisance?

## In Luxembourg, what are the consequences of disturbing one's neighbors?

Violating the peace and quiet of one's neighbors can lead to criminal sanctions under the Luxembourg Penal Code. For example, causing unnecessary noise late at night is punishable by a fine of €25 to €250, depending on the circumstances.

Some local jurisdictions may impose greater restrictions than those described in this national regulation. Noise from closing car doors or garages and starting motor vehicles is illegal in Luxembourg City. Everyone has the right to their own means of livelihood, including the use of a motor vehicle, but they should exercise caution in this area, especially after dark.

Our advice to Luxembourgers is to always check with the local authorities that they are following the law, as the rules of the Penal Code are not always obvious.

## Before taking legal action, you should make every effort to reach a mutually acceptable agreement

The first priority in resolving neighborhood disturbances should be to do so in a humane manner. The family that lives above you in the building may not understand how disturbing their nightly music is to you.

It is best to talk to your neighbor about the problem before going to court or learning about local penalty policies. An amicable solution can usually be found for this type of problem.

If the offender does not change his or her behavior or seek other solutions to reduce the daily disturbance, you may have to take legal action.


What should I do about my noisy neighbor?

What do you know about Bettembourg, where you can live a life of wonder.jpg

Bettembourg is one of the five communes that make up the municipality and are located in the canton of Esch-sur-Alzette, 10 km from the capital and 5 km from the French border (chief town).

The current population of these five localities is 11,200 inhabitants, and they occupy an area of 21.49 square kilometers. A developing region with a wide range of cultural and recreational opportunities for families.

The city is best known for its beautiful Parc Merveilleux, but it actually has much more to offer. You want to move to Luxembourg and work here. Learn more about the amazing community of Bettembourg.

## To access the whole of Luxembourg, just drive through Bettembourg

Bettembourg's central location makes it easy to get around Luxembourg and neighboring countries. An important national and international railroad line as well as a major motorway junction serving traffic to and from France and Germany are connected to the municipality.

The national railroad Bettembourg-Luxembourg, the international railroad Luxembourg-Metz, the N13 and N31 that cross the city, and the CR132 and CR163 are only some of the roads that cross the region. The Croix de Bettembourg, where the A13 and A3 freeways converge, is also located near the commune.

Thanks to its central location in Luxembourg, Bettembourg is a city that attracts young professionals who frequently settle in the whole country and abroad.

## Has a noble spirit that does honor to Luxembourg

In the middle of Bettembourg's green landscape lies the Parc Merveilleux, a recreational area known for its enchanted forest that delights locals and visitors alike. Visitors of all ages can enjoy this 25-hectare park, which includes an animal shelter, an aviary and several playgrounds for children.

The city distinguishes itself as a green city dedicated to nature conservation with its huge national orchard, "biodiversity" program, sustainable beekeeping and other ecological efforts like its community garden.

In addition, Bettembourg has a 361.3 hectare forest, so protected that it can only be used on municipal trails.

## Bettembourg is an active and exciting city

The citizens of Bettembourg have many options for entertainment. For example, there are a number of hotels and restaurants in the area, as well as a cinema called "Le Paris", which are open to Luxembourg residents and visitors looking for a magical distraction.

The open-air exhibition "Konscht am Park", the "Nuit des Merveilles" and the literature festival "LiteraTour" are just a few examples.

Do you want to find a place to live in Luxembourg that has a lot going on? The real estate market in Bettembourg, Luxembourg is the best in the country.

## Bettembourg is a wonderful community for families

Bettembourg's many children's events and excellent educational facilities make it an ideal place for families to settle.

Bettembourg's educational system, from kindergarten to high school, consists of four schools:

- Reebou-Schoul
- Schoul am Duerf
- Spillschoul am Park
- Sonneschoul in Noertzange

Finally, the Maison des Jeunes et de la Culture welcomes young people aged 12 to 26 who live in the municipality and offers them various activities, including weekly creative and sports workshops, expeditions and theme evenings. There is a literary café and a staged reading event organized as part of the LiteraTour festival.

Are you interested in moving to a Luxembourg commune? Bettembourg offers many activities and attractions for people of all ages.

What do you know about Bettembourg, where you can live a life of wonder?

What is the importance of the outstanding balance insurance in Luxembourg for your home loan.jpg

Every time a Luxembourg resident applies for a home loan or a personal loan to pay for renovation work, he or she is informed of the ASRD, the outstanding balance insurance. How does it work? Will you be obliged to do so? Would you recommend it in your situation?

## In the event of the insured's death, financial security is provided for his or her family

If the borrower dies with an amount still owed on the loan, the family and loved ones will be protected by the outstanding balance insurance. Thus, the ASRD transfers the covered capital to the beneficiary when a buyer receives a home loan in Luxembourg for his project but dies before having made all the required repayments.

Some outstanding balance insurances designate the bank as beneficiary, while others favor the spouse and/or children of the policyholder. In any case, this insurance ensures that the surviving family members will not be left in a difficult financial situation if they have to continue to repay the loan in the event of the borrower's death.

## Is outstanding balance insurance mandatory or recommended?

The subscription of an outstanding balance insurance is optional when obtaining a real estate loan in Luxembourg. This security measure is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended, especially in the case of a large loan.

The bank can insist on an ASRD even if it is not required by law, depending on the debtor's personal finances and the needs of his family.

It may be difficult for your relatives to settle the home loan in Luxembourg if you die while you still owe money on the property. If you have outstanding balance insurance, not only will your family be relieved of the financial burden of paying off the mortgage, but they will also be able to keep the property as part of the family inheritance.

## Choosing Outstanding Balance Insurance

The premium for outstanding balance insurance is determined by the amount insured, the age of the insured and his/her health.

It is possible to pay the premium in one go or on a recurring basis within the framework of the ASRD, both of which are offered to you at the time of signing your mortgage in Luxembourg.

What is the importance of the outstanding balance insurance for your home loan?

6 tips for successful telecommuting.jpg

To be as productive as you would be in the office when you work from home, you'll need to adopt new organizational strategies. How can I optimize my daily routine? We recommend it!

## 1. Keep regular hours

You can do your work when it's convenient for you when you have a "home office", rather than sticking to traditional office hours. Keep a steady pace so you don't get too out of control. Work when it's convenient for you, but don't stray too far from regular office hours. Be sure to give yourself a break, as you normally would.

## 2. Daily preparation is essential

Wish you could work while wearing your pajamas? If you want to pamper yourself, there's no harm in doing it once or twice. With the exception of sleep, always prepare for the day when you wake up. This will allow you to keep up with the day while looking your best and taking a little bit of care of yourself.

## 3. Make some space for yourself

Make sure you have a place to work where you can relax and be productive (stationery, computer, coffee cup, etc.). Develop a routine to ensure you are not stuck in the same routine every day. Avoid the temptation to eat at the table or work in the kitchen by taking your breaks in the living room or on the couch. There should be no mixing of work and personal life, so don't let it happen.

## 4. Let your family members know

Need to focus on a difficult task, or are you in charge of planning an important conference? Let your family and friends know so they don't disturb you when you're in the middle of something important. Make sure the little ones are taken care of and you can get to work without worrying about them.

## 5. Stay in touch

Everyone at work, from subordinates to superiors, could use your help at some point, which is why you should always be reachable. Choose the most productive ways to stay in touch and continue working together, whether it's phone conversations, messages, emails or even video conferencing.

## 6. Write down your expectations

If you're worried about forgetting things or procrastinating too much, write down your own to-do lists. Make a list of everything you need to do each day or week, from errands to who you need to call or emails to send. Now you can plan your daily routine with confidence.

6 tips for successful telecommuting

4 tips to keep your kids busy when you don't have a garden.jpg

How do you plan your days when the kids are stuck at home and you don't even have a yard at home? They may want to go outside to play, which can mean extra work for mom and dad. Here are some basic, quick-to-implement, boredom-busting activities you can do right now at home.

## 1. Helping out with the housework

What if your kids found a way to contribute? It's not about taking advantage of the kids, but depending on their age and ability, they might enjoy helping with some light housework. For example, if you give a toddler who is just learning to walk a piece of paper to throw away, he or she will gladly lend a hand. By age six or seven, they can participate in tasks like setting the table and sweeping. They can learn a lot about responsibility and independence in this setting.

## 2. Start creative workshops

Creative activities are a great way to relax and exercise creativity, and they can be adapted for people of all ages and backgrounds. It's possible to offer this exercise to children without spending a lot of money on supplies... In fact, it's often as simple as recycling mundane packaging like cardboard boxes to get your hands on usable materials. Follow DIYers on Instagram or Pinterest if you're feeling short on inspiration. You can easily do it yourself with these simple guides.

## 3. Do exercises as a group!

Kids should exercise regularly, but it's not always easy to do so when you're stuck at home. Running or jumping creates a lot of noise, which can be a problem if your apartment is above someone else's. The good news is that it's not hard to sign up for adaptive sports programs, where people of all abilities can play together and improve their health, fitness and motor skills. Hundreds of free fitness videos can be found on YouTube, and the Internet in general is full of information that can help. Many of them don't require special equipment or tricks like jumping to participate, so they are open to a wide range of people.

## 4. Make dinner together

Now that you're going to be staying in one place longer, you can treat the family to a home-cooked meal. Kids love to help in the kitchen, and you can use that to your advantage by inviting them to help you prepare meals and desserts. Children can learn about balanced eating by exploring the different types of foods (fat, carbohydrates, protein, etc.), or you can simply help them become more independent by allowing them appropriate levels of independence.

Since you live at home without a garden, you and the children have more time to spend together and make memories. They can continue to have fun and grow as individuals, even in a small space like an apartment.

4 tips to keep your kids busy when you don't have a garden?

How to manage your rental property investment in Luxembourg.jpg

If you are considering buying a rental property in Luxembourg, you should be aware that you will have to spend time looking for tenants, collecting rent in a timely manner and making the necessary repairs. If the thought of all this makes you anxious, you should consider outsourcing the management to an agency. This option has a number of attractive fundamental aspects that attract many buyers.

## The rental management mandate, a regulated and clear approach

A rental management mandate is a legal document signed by the owner or lessor that gives the management company the authorization to manage the property of the tenant or owner. Services such as researching and checking the solvency of tenants, collecting rent, accounting, etc. are essential, as is the monitoring of works, repairs, representation at general meetings, etc.

In the same spirit, this mandate details the agency's responsibilities and the owner's agreement for the expert to exercise them on his behalf. Finally, the duration of the contract and the conditions of its renewal are fixed.

## How much does it usually cost to manage a property?

Professional property managers and their clients are free to negotiate the fees for their services. In most cases, the monthly percentage agreed upon by the parties is deducted from the rent paid by the tenant to the agency. On your side, you pay a professional to come and establish an annual inventory of fixtures, which not only saves you a lot of time, but also allows you to better track unpaid rent and monitor the condition of the property. To avoid costly maintenance repairs and rent arrears, hire a competent property manager.

You can contact several different people and offer to manage your property. You should not only evaluate the price, but also the services included, as some bidders may be willing to take on the bulk of the rental management responsibilities. You may want to choose a mandate that gives the agency complete independence, relieving you of any responsibility for the safety of your property.

## List of the many rental management services available

Going it alone in a private rental in Luxembourg can be a waste of time, effort and money. If a tenant has regular, one-on-one interactions with the landlord, he or she is less likely to worry about not paying the rent. They are not always reliable in their payments and can cause damage that requires costly repairs.

Your contracted property manager will handle issues such as finding tenants, establishing an inventory of existing property, collecting rent on a regular basis and scheduling maintenance. They can perform all necessary checks to ensure the financial stability of the tenant. Rent reviews to ensure compliance with the law is another service he offers. Last but not least, he will take the necessary steps in case of non-payment of rent, which will save you a ton of time and energy.

Concerning the financial, legal or administrative aspects of the rental management, a real estate agent will also accompany you. Don't hesitate to ask for expert advice if you want to explore your options.

Blog and real estate advices