TL;DR
Guide to parking spaces, bike storage, and cellar storage in European rental apartments. What is included in rent, what costs extra, and your rights by country.
Parking spaces, cellars, and bike storage rooms are often the most disputed elements of a European rental agreement. Are they included in the rent? Can the landlord remove access mid-tenancy? What happens when your parking spot is used by another tenant? The rules differ significantly across countries, and getting them wrong can cost you hundreds of euros or leave you without the storage you need.
Germany: Keller, Stellplatz, and Fahrradkeller
German apartments typically come with a Keller (cellar or basement storage room). If the cellar is listed in the rental agreement, it is part of the rental contract, and the landlord cannot withdraw access without the tenant's consent. If not mentioned in the contract, the tenant has no automatic right to cellar space. A Stellplatz (parking space) is almost always a separate contract from the apartment lease. This matters because the parking contract can have different notice periods and conditions. If the parking space is bundled in the main lease, it cannot be terminated separately.
Fahrradkeller (bike storage rooms) in apartment buildings are communal spaces. Tenants have the right to use them, but the landlord sets the rules via the Hausordnung. Landlords cannot charge extra for communal bike storage that was already part of the building's facilities. If a parking space or cellar is listed in the Nebenkostenabrechnung, the tenant pays a proportional share of maintenance costs.
France: Caves and Parkings
French rental agreements frequently include a cave (storage cellar) as part of the bail (lease). If the cave is listed in the lease and the etat des lieux, it is part of the rental property and included in the rent. Parking spaces (places de stationnement) can be included in the bail or rented separately. When included, they are subject to the same tenant protections as the apartment itself. When separate, they follow commercial lease rules and can be terminated independently.
In Paris and other dense cities, parking spaces are valuable and often rented separately for EUR 80 to 250/month. The tenant cannot sublet the parking space without the landlord's written permission unless the lease explicitly allows it. Bike storage (local velos) in apartment buildings is increasingly mandated by new construction regulations, but older buildings often lack dedicated spaces.
Netherlands: Berging and Parkeerplaats
Dutch apartments commonly include a berging (storage room, often in the basement or an outbuilding). If listed in the rental agreement, it counts toward the WWS point system for rent calculation (social housing) and is part of the tenancy. A parkeerplaats (parking space) is usually a separate agreement. In newer developments, parking is often managed by a separate parking operator or the VvE (homeowners' association).
Dutch municipalities increasingly require car-free or car-light developments, which means fewer guaranteed parking spaces for new rental buildings. In Amsterdam, a residential parking permit (bewonersparkeervergunning) costs EUR 30 to 75/quarter and may be the only option for street parking near your rental.
Spain, Italy, and Portugal
In Spain, a garaje (garage or parking space) is often sold or rented separately from the apartment. The rental contract should specify whether the garaje is included. If it is part of the lease, it cannot be withdrawn. Underground parking in Spanish apartment blocks is typically managed by the comunidad de propietarios.
Italian condominium regulations (regolamento condominiale) govern access to cantina (cellar) and posto auto (parking spot). If the cantina is referenced in the contratto di locazione, it is part of the tenancy. Parking in Italian cities is scarce and expensive: a garage box in Milan or Rome can cost EUR 100 to 300/month separately.
Portuguese rentals sometimes include an arrecadacao (storage room) and lugar de estacionamento (parking space) in the contract. Check whether they are listed as annexos (annexes) to the main lease, which gives them the same legal protection.
United Kingdom
UK tenancy agreements should specify which parking spaces or storage areas are included. If a parking space is listed in the tenancy agreement, the landlord cannot remove access during the tenancy. Communal bike storage is increasingly common in newer developments. Some landlords include garage access as part of the rent; others charge separately. Check the agreement carefully and ensure any included spaces are documented in the inventory report.
Key Advice for All Countries
Always check whether parking, cellar, and storage spaces are explicitly listed in the rental contract. If they are included, they are part of your tenancy and protected by tenant law. If they are on a separate contract, they may have different notice periods and fewer protections. Photograph storage spaces during your move-in inspection. If a parking space is promised verbally but not in the contract, it is not guaranteed. Ask your rental agency to clarify the status of all ancillary spaces before signing.