What notice period applies to tenants?

Tenants can generally terminate an indefinite residential tenancy with three months' notice. The termination notice must reach the landlord by the third working day of a month for that month to be included.

Must termination be made in writing?

Yes. Termination of a residential tenancy generally must be made in writing and personally signed. An email or messenger message is usually not sufficient.

Can a tenant terminate immediately?

Immediate termination is possible only for an important reason that makes continuation of the tenancy unreasonable. Depending on the reason, the landlord generally must first be warned or asked to remedy the problem.

Which court has jurisdiction over a tenancy dispute?

The Local Court has first-instance jurisdiction over typical tenancy disputes such as termination, rent reduction, or eviction actions. Subject to statutory requirements, the Regional Court may hear an appeal, and the Federal Court of Justice decides appeals on points of law.

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Termination by Tenant 1 min read · published March 09, 2026

Notice periods are especially important for tenants in Germany when a move, rent increase, serious repairs, or a dispute with the landlord is approaching. Anyone who wants to terminate a tenancy or respond to a termination must observe deadlines, formal requirements, and delivery of the notice. This guide explains in clear language which rights and duties tenants have, when the statutory notice period applies, and which special rules concern fixed-term leases, immediate termination, and an eviction action. You will also learn how to send your notice in a verifiable way, preserve evidence, and find the competent Local Court in a dispute. The guidance applies to residential tenancies in Germany and does not replace an individual review of the lease.

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