Coordinating WG Termination Letters for Tenants in Germany

As a student living in a shared flat you often need to terminate jointly or replace individual flatmates. This article explains in plain language how tenants in Germany write WG termination letters correctly, observe deadlines and agree who signs the letter. You will receive practical sample formulations, notes on the legal basis in the BGB and concrete tips on documentation, evidence and handover of the termination. I also describe template wordings for a termination letter, explain the most important deadlines and provide a step-by-step guide for coordinated action with flatmates and the landlord. Footnotes refer to official statutes and courts so you can quickly check the legal situation without requiring legal jargon. At the end you will also find an FAQ and a practical guide for submitting the termination.

WG termination: legal basis and preparation

Before drafting a termination, clarify which contract type applies: individual tenancy agreements, a joint tenancy agreement or subtenancy agreements have different consequences for termination. Check the relevant rules in the Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB), in particular the general obligations and termination rules for tenancies.^[1]

Important questions before writing

• Who is the contractual partner (tenant) and who is only a flatmate? Determine whether a joint tenancy agreement or individual contracts exist.
• Clarify deadlines (deadline): Determine the notice period according to the contract and statutory provisions and note the date by which the termination must reach the landlord.
• Create documentation (evidence): Collect the tenancy agreement, handover records, payment receipts and previous correspondence.
• Coordinate with flatmates (contacts/help): Agree who signs the letter and how internal communication should proceed.

If you are uncertain about the contract status, consult the court or an official advisory service before sending a termination.^[2]

Wording: sample WG termination letter

A clear termination letter should contain the following elements: recipient (landlord), date, exact address of the flat, an unambiguous declaration of termination, notice period or termination date, signature(s) of the terminating tenants and contact details for queries. Use simple neutral language and avoid unnecessary statements.

Sample clause: "We hereby terminate the tenancy agreement with you for the flat [address] at the earliest possible date." If you use a template, check that all information is complete.^[3]

Practical notes on delivery

• Choose delivery method (notice): Send the termination by registered mail with return receipt or hand it over against confirmation of receipt.
• Keep records (evidence): Retain postage receipts, confirmation of receipt and copies of the letter.
• Handover and keys (entry/privacy): Arrange a handover appointment and prepare an inventory protocol.

Conflicts and court steps

If the landlord does not accept the termination or there is a dispute about deadlines, successor tenants or joint liability, legal clarification may be necessary. Tenancy disputes are generally heard at the local court (Amtsgericht); higher instances are the regional court (Landgericht) and the Federal Court of Justice for precedent decisions.^[2]

Frequently Asked Questions

Who must sign in a WG for the termination to be valid?

If all tenants are jointly named in the tenancy agreement, generally all must sign or someone must be expressly authorized. With individual contracts each tenant may terminate on their own.

What notice period applies for an ordinary termination?

The notice period depends on the tenancy agreement and the BGB; common periods are three months for residential tenancies. Check your contract and calculate the notice to month-end.

What if a flatmate objects?

Within a joint tenancy agreement a single tenant cannot terminate for everyone alone. Try to discuss, consider successor tenant options or seek legal advice.

How-To

1. Check the contract: Note whether there is a joint tenancy or individual agreements and which notice periods apply.
2. Gather documents: Have the tenancy agreement, payment records and handover notes ready.
3. Set the termination date (deadline): Determine the exact termination date considering the notice period.
4. Write the termination: Use clear wording and sign according to the contract situation.
5. Deliver: Send the termination by registered mail or hand it over with confirmation of receipt and keep records.

Help and Support

• Gesetze im Internet (BGB) – official texts
• Justizportal – information on courts
• Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection (BMJV)

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet – BGB §§ 535–580a
2. [2] Justizportal – Amtsgerichte
3. [3] Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz – Muster und Informationen