Guide

Who administers the estate, and what does it cost?

Checked on 11.11.2026

Translated from German. Where anything differs, the German text counts: Deutsche Fassung

One sees to the let house, collects the rent, pays the bills. The others ask where the money is and whether they may take something for it.

What generally applies

• Administering together. The heirs administer the estate together (§ 2038 BGB). For ordinary administration a majority by shares is often enough; it can also decide that one person takes over the administration.
• The income belongs to everyone. Rent and other income of the estate belong to the community of heirs. It is usually divided only at the division, unless agreed otherwise.
• An executor. If the deceased appointed one, the executor administers the estate, not the heirs.

Whether the administering person can claim remuneration, whether they owe information and in what form depends on the agreement and the individual case. That is for a lawyer to assess.

What helps

• Agree before there is a dispute. Who administers, what they may decide alone, whether there is remuneration, how often accounts are given. In writing, from everyone.
• A separate account for the estate. If rent and costs run through one account, much is already documented.
• Record every income and expense. With date and receipt, visible to everyone.