Deposit Account Change at Move-Out for Tenants in Germany

Many tenants in Germany wonder what happens when the bank transfers or reallocates the deposit account at move-out. Such changes can affect access, interest crediting and the return of the security deposit. In this article I clearly explain your rights as a tenant, typical deadlines, which documents you should collect and how to respond if the bank or landlord changes the account. I name the relevant legal bases in the BGB, the competent courts and practical wording suggestions for letters to the bank and landlord so that you get your deposit back safely and avoid legal mistakes. The information is written in plain language and does not replace individual legal advice.

What applies when the deposit account is changed?

If the bank changes the deposit account, several points are affected: who has access, how interest is credited and whether the new account details have been properly documented. According to the basic rules of tenancy law in the German Civil Code (BGB), the obligation to return the deposit remains, but procedures can become more complicated.^[1]

Important steps for tenants

• Observe deadlines (days): Check by when the landlord or bank must provide information.
• Check the deposit account (deposit): Verify whether interest has been correctly reported and credited to the account.
• Request written information (notice): Ask the landlord and bank for written confirmation of the account transfer.
• Collect evidence (evidence): Secure bank statements, the tenancy agreement, handover protocol and photos as proof.
• Consider court action (court): If information or repayment is refused, the local court (Amtsgericht) is responsible.

Which deadlines are important?

There is no fixed nationwide special deadline solely for account changes, but general deadlines for accounting and refunding the deposit can be relevant. Respond promptly to written documents and observe deadlines for objections or lawsuits, otherwise claims may expire.

Forms and templates (official)

Practical forms tenants should know:

• Termination letter / Request for release of the deposit (template letter): State clearly which account was changed and demand repayment with a deadline.
• Dunning procedure / Payment order (if payments are outstanding): Use the judicial dunning procedure if the deposit is being withheld unfairly.
• Lawsuit form for the local court (for disputed refunds): File a lawsuit if out-of-court measures fail.

Example: Write to the landlord and bank: "Please confirm in writing by [date] to which account the deposit was transferred and attach bank statements for the last 12 months." If there is no reply, the next step is a reminder or lawsuit at the local court.^[3]

Concrete action steps (How-To)

1. Document: Collect all relevant documents (rental agreement, bank statements, handover protocol).
2. Request in writing: Send a letter to landlord and bank requesting information about the account transfer within 14 days.
3. Check interest and amounts: Verify whether interest was correctly posted and request any additional payment if necessary.
4. Legal steps: If answers are missing, initiate the dunning procedure or file a lawsuit at the local court.

FAQ

Who is responsible if the bank changes the account?

Primarily the bank and the landlord; in disputes the local court is responsible.^[2]

Can the bank reallocate the deposit account without my consent?

The bank may technically consolidate accounts, but rights and documentation regarding the deposit must be preserved; clarify this in writing.

How long do I have to demand repayment?

There is no specific deadline just for account changes; generally you should act immediately and at the latest within a few weeks, otherwise consider legal action.

How-To

1. Collect all relevant documents (rental agreement, bank statements, handover protocol).
2. Write to landlord and bank and request information about the account transfer within 14 days.
3. Check whether interest was posted correctly and demand any owed payments.
4. If there is no response, initiate the dunning process or file a lawsuit at the local court.

Help and Support / Resources

• Hotline and court information (hotline): Contacts and local court information for filing claims.
• Laws: BGB §§535–580a (deposit) – central tenancy law rules on deposits.^[1]
• Federal Court decisions (court): Relevant case law on rental deposits.^[2]

1. [1] BGB §535 (gesetze-im-internet.de)
2. [2] Bundesgerichtshof (bundesgerichtshof.de)
3. [3] Federal Ministry of Justice (bmj.de)