Security Deposit: Receipts & Interest for Tenants in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, you should know how to prove interest on a security deposit and which receipts are required. Many disputes arise because documents are missing or unclear. This article explains which documents (bank statements, payment receipts, interest statements) to collect, how to calculate interest claims and when to send a letter to the landlord or initiate proceedings at the local court. The guidance is practical and cites official legal bases and typical forms so you can enforce your claim more securely.

What does "interest on the security deposit" mean?

For cash deposits or special deposit accounts, landlords must manage the deposit separately from their assets and usually credit interest. The exact rate depends on the account and current rates; in some tenancies interest is paid out or offset. As a tenant you have the right to information and proof if interest is missing or not fully disclosed (^[1]).

Which documents and records should you collect?

From the start, note and collect all relevant documents; this makes subsequent claims or court proceedings much easier.

• Bank statements of the deposit account showing deposits, withdrawals and credited interest.
• Receipts or transfer confirmations proving the deposit payment.
• The written deposit agreement or a clause in the tenancy agreement describing the deposit account.
• Correspondence with the landlord about interest payments or offsets.

How do you calculate an interest claim?

To calculate, you need the deposit amount, the period it was held in the special account and the applied interest rates. Calculate annually or per accounting period; if unsure, request a written interest statement from the landlord. Keep your calculation in a table and attach copies of the supporting documents.

Practical example

You paid a 1,500 EUR deposit on 01.01.2018. The deposit account credited 0.5% interest annually. A simple interest formula helps determine the claim; record the result and support your assumptions with bank statements.

What to do if the landlord does not pay?

First send a formal demand letter with a deadline to the landlord. State your claim, attach copies of the documents and set a clear payment deadline (e.g., 14 days). If there is no response, the next step is legal enforcement at the local court (^[2]).

Sample letters and forms

For an out-of-court demand a clear letter usually suffices; for litigation, standardized complaint forms or an application for a payment order under the ZPO may be required. Use court guidance and official justice authority forms where available (^[3]).

FAQ

Who decides disputes about deposit interest?

Disputes are usually decided at the local court; higher instances are the regional court and the Federal Court of Justice for fundamental legal questions.

Must the deposit earn interest?

Yes, cash deposits should generally be kept separately and may earn interest; details are governed by the BGB (^[1]).

How long should I keep receipts?

Keep bank statements and payment receipts for at least three years, preferably until the tenancy relationship ends.

How-To

1. Collect all bank statements and payment receipts that show deposit movements.
2. Write a demand to the landlord with a clear calculation and a payment deadline.
3. If there is no response, contact tenant advice services or the competent local court.
4. If necessary, file a claim or a payment order; use official forms and attach your evidence.

Help and Support

• Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection
• Laws in the Internet (BGB, ZPO)
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) - Decisions

1. [1] Civil Code (BGB) §§ 535–580a — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Forms and guidance for claims and payment orders — Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection