Coordinate WG Termination Correctly for Tenants in Germany

As a tenant in a shared flat (WG) in Germany, coordinating a termination is often complicated: deadlines, delivery and the wording of the letter must be correct to preserve your rights. This article explains in plain language the relevant legal bases, typical mistakes in WG terminations and how to create a secure termination letter template. You will get concrete steps for coordinating with flatmates, documenting delivery and guidance on how to proceed if a legal dispute arises. The goal is for tenants in Germany to terminate safely, legally and with as little conflict as possible.^[1]

WG termination: First check

Before terminating, clarify the following points with all flatmates: who signs, whether the rental agreement stipulates individual or joint liability, and which notice period applies. Carefully review the rental contract and note the deadlines.

Form and content of the termination letter

A termination must be clear, written and signed by the person terminating. State the name, apartment address, date and the stated termination date. Wording should be concise and avoid uncertain terms like "planned" or "tentative."

• Written form: always sign the termination and include the date.
• Observe deadlines: check the contractually agreed notice period and calculate the last day.
• Document delivery: send by registered mail or hand over against a receipt.

Typical mistakes and how to avoid them

Many terminations fail due to formal errors, incorrect delivery or ambiguity about responsibility in a WG. Avoid these errors with a checklist and a clear internal agreement protocol.

• Unclear responsibility: clarify who is terminating, especially if joint signatures are required.
• Late delivery: send the termination in time and document the date and recipient.
• Wrong wording: use a tested template that clearly states intent to terminate and the deadline.

Practical template and examples

A simple termination example contains: subject "Termination of the tenancy agreement", address, name, date, clear declaration of termination and signature. If several tenants are affected, clarify whether an individual or collective termination applies.

Example text short: "I hereby terminate the tenancy for the apartment Musterstraße 1, 12345 Musterstadt, at the next possible date. Please confirm receipt in writing."

What to do in case of dispute or missing confirmation

If a dispute arises or confirmation is missing, tenants can present proof of delivery in court. Local courts (Amtsgerichte) are usually responsible for tenancy disputes; for further legal questions there are Landgerichte and, as a revision instance, the Federal Court of Justice (Bundesgerichtshof).^[2]

FAQ

Who can terminate in a WG?

That depends on the rental contract: individual tenants, all tenants or only the contracting party can terminate. Check the contract carefully.

How do I send the termination securely?

The safest is by registered mail with return receipt or personal handover against a receipt.

Is there an official template for the termination?

There is no legally prescribed form; however, use clear template texts and comply with the deadlines under the BGB.^[1]

How-To

1. Read the tenancy agreement and note notice periods and signature rules.
2. Agree in writing with WG flatmates on the further procedure.
3. Draft the termination precisely with date, address and signature.
4. Send the termination so that delivery is provable (registered mail or delivery receipt).
5. In case of conflicts contact the competent local court or legal advice and respect deadlines.^[2]

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet – BGB (Key tenancy law sections)
• Gesetze im Internet – ZPO (Civil procedure)
• Federal Court of Justice – case law on tenancy

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet – BGB §§535–580a
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet – Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof – Entscheidungen zum Mietrecht