Tenants: Prove Deposit Interest in Germany

Many tenants in Germany wonder how to correctly prove interest from the security deposit account, for example when moving out or after repayment. This article explains in plain language which documents you should collect, such as bank statements, account opening and closing confirmations, interest statements and written communication with the landlord. You will learn how to prove formal requirements, why precise dates matter and which deadlines apply. Practical examples show how to organize records and which official authorities or courts are competent in disputes. The tips help you document claims securely and be prepared for discussions, mediation or to go to the local court.

Which documents tenants should collect

• Bank statements of all transactions on the deposit account.
• Account opening and closing confirmations for the deposit account.
• Interest credits on the deposit account and interest statements.
• Written correspondence with the landlord about the deposit settlement.
• Handover records, receipts and documents related to tenancy termination.
• PDF exports or screenshots of online statements to secure electronic evidence.

How to organize documents securely

Arrange documents chronologically and, if possible, create a short overview table with date, amount, source and purpose. Add a note to digital copies stating who created the file and when. Check that interest credits are actually assigned to the deposit account and note any discrepancies immediately.

1. Record deadlines and sort documents by date so you can respond quickly to inquiries.
2. Create a digital folder with clear file names (for example "deposit-statement_2023-06.pdf").
3. Collect all written messages with dates and confirm receipt to the landlord if needed.

Deadlines, court and procedure

Relevant legal rules can be found in the German Civil Code (BGB), in particular regarding landlord and tenant duties^[1], and in the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) for court actions^[2]. In formal disputes over deposit interest the local court is often competent; higher instances are the regional courts or the Federal Court of Justice^[3]. If you consider filing a lawsuit, organize documents chronologically and include a brief statement of facts.

FAQ

How long should I keep bank statements?

Keep bank statements and calculations at least until the deposit repayment is finally resolved; in practice three to six years depending on the case.

Which documents count as proof of received interest?

Official bank statements, interest certificates from the bank and confirmed written exchanges with landlord or manager are valid proof.

What if the landlord does not account for interest?

Request the interest statement in writing, document the request and consider legal advice or filing a claim at the competent local court.

How-To

1. Collect all bank statements and interest credits of the deposit account.
2. Create digital copies (PDF/screenshot) and name files clearly.
3. Note relevant dates and deadlines, for example move-out date and repayment deadline.
4. Request an interest statement from the landlord in writing and document the sending.
5. If no agreement is possible, present the organized documents to the local court or seek legal advice.

Help and Support / Resources

• [1] German Civil Code (BGB) — gesetze-im-internet.de
• [2] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — bundesgerichtshof.de
• [3] State Justice Portal North Rhine-Westphalia — justiz.nrw.de

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) — bundesgerichtshof.de