Tenant Termination Letter in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, an ordinary termination may be necessary for various reasons, such as job-related relocation, family changes, or extended commuting. This guide explains step by step how to draft a legally secure termination letter, which notice periods apply, and which proofs are important. It contains practical phrasing examples, tips for handing over the apartment, returning the deposit, and explains when consulting the local court or official bodies makes sense. The language is accessible, legal terms are explained. At the end you will find a checklist, official forms and a clear procedure so you can submit your termination correctly and validly as a tenant in Germany.

Termination Letter: What to Include

An effective termination letter should state parties, rental object, termination date and signature clearly. Legal foundations for tenancy are found in the BGB, especially regarding obligations and termination prerequisites.^[1]

• Specific address details: tenant and landlord names and exact apartment address.
• State the correct notice period and the date on which the tenancy should end.
• Reason only if required; for ordinary termination an extensive reason is usually not necessary.
• Document delivery method: send by registered mail or hand over with receipt confirmation.
• Note deposit matters and contact details for refunds.
• Record outstanding defects or upcoming repairs and, if applicable, set deadlines for remediation.
• If eviction proceedings are possible: consider legal steps and potential court involvement.^[2]

Practical Phrasing Examples

Use clear, short sentences: include date, contract number or lease start, the desired termination date and your signature. Avoid vague terms like "immediate" without legal grounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long are statutory notice periods for tenants?

Tenants can usually give three months' notice unless the lease states otherwise.

Do I have to justify the termination?

For an ordinary termination by the tenant, no detailed justification is required; different rules apply for special or extraordinary terminations.

Where do I go in case of disputes?

The local court (Amtsgericht) is responsible for tenancy disputes; appeals go to the regional court and, if necessary, the Federal Court of Justice.^[3]

How-To

1. Prepare the template: start with date, your full contact information and the rental property's address.
2. Check the notice period: determine the correct notice period from the lease and BGB and state the termination date.
3. Choose delivery: send the termination by registered mail or hand it over with a receipt.
4. Collect evidence: archive copies, delivery receipts, photos of the handover condition and correspondence.
5. Handover the apartment: arrange a date, create a handover protocol and document the key return.

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet: Civil Code (BGB)
• Gesetze im Internet: Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO)
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) - Decisions

1. [1] §§ 535–580a BGB – Civil Code (BGB)
2. [2] ZPO – Code of Civil Procedure (eviction proceedings)
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice – information and decisions