Coordinating WG Termination: Tenant Tips for Germany

Many tenants in Germany face organizational hurdles when coordinating a WG termination: differing notice periods, joint tenancy agreements and scheduling handover appointments with commuters require planning. This guide explains step by step how tenants check deadlines, draft a template termination letter, arrange handover appointments and systematically secure evidence. You will also find tips on communicating with the landlord, reclaiming the security deposit and preparing for possible court proceedings. All guidance is based on German tenancy law and refers where necessary to relevant statutes and competent courts.^[1][2]

What WG housemates should watch

In a WG it is important who is named on the rental agreement, which notice periods apply and whether a joint or individual termination is necessary. First check the rental agreement and clarify whether only one person terminates or all housemates end the contract together.

If multiple people terminate, write a clearly dated template letter stating the name, address, termination date and signatures of all terminating tenants. An informal termination letter is usually sufficient but must correctly state deadlines and the recipient.

• Check the rental agreement and verify who is a contracting party.
• Determine the notice period and the earliest termination date.
• Draft a written template termination letter with date and signatures.
• Plan key handover and handover appointment together with the landlord.

Practical preparation for commuters

Commuters should check notice periods early and schedule handover appointments so that workdays do not conflict. Delegate handovers in writing to a contact person known to the landlord if you cannot be present yourself.

• Schedule handover appointments well in advance.
• Name a contact person for key handover and protocol.
• Document the condition of the flat with photos and meter readings.

What to do in case of dispute or claims

If the landlord asserts claims or there are rental arrears, gather all evidence: proof of rent payments, handover protocols and photos. If an eviction lawsuit is threatened, prepare documents for the competent local court and seek legal advice if necessary.

• Secure payment receipts and bank statements.
• Create a detailed handover protocol with photos.
• Find out about the responsibilities of the local court for tenancy law.

FAQ

Who can terminate in a WG?

Basically, the tenant named in the rental agreement terminates. With multiple registered tenants, individual tenants or all roommates can terminate; check the contract carefully.

How long are statutory notice periods?

Statutory periods are set out in the German Civil Code (BGB) and depend on the length of tenancy; review the exact sections or seek advice.^[1]

Do I need a template letter?

An informal dated and signed letter is sufficient. For certainty, a template letter including all relevant information can be used.

How-To

1. Check deadlines: Determine the applicable notice period in the rental agreement and under the BGB.
2. Write termination: Draft a dated template letter with all names and signatures.
3. Plan handover: Arrange a date for key handover and protocol.
4. Check deposit: Document damages and reclaim unjustified deductions after termination.
5. Secure evidence: Collect photos, meter readings and payment proofs for potential disputes.

Key Takeaways

• Check and document notice periods and deadlines carefully.
• Careful evidence collection and photo protocols protect against unwarranted claims.

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet: Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
• Gesetze im Internet: Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
• Justizportal: Information on courts in Germany

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1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Justizportal: Informationen zu Gerichten — justiz.de