Security Deposit Statement for Tenants in Germany

Tenants in Germany need a clear, verifiable security deposit statement so repayment proceeds smoothly and disputes are avoided. This guide explains step by step how you as a tenant can check your deposit account, organize receipts and identify legitimate deductions. You will learn which deadlines apply, which official forms and documents are useful, and when a conversation with the landlord or a lawsuit at the local court may be appropriate^[3]. We name relevant legal bases such as the BGB^[1] and show practical examples of how to document claims and assert them formally. We explain how interest is treated, which account statements matter and how photos or written defect reports serve as evidence.

What is a security deposit statement?

A security deposit statement lists how the landlord used the deposited security: returning the remaining amount, deductions for damages or outstanding utility charges. The statement should include account statements, interest calculations and receipts for deductions so you as a tenant can verify whether claims are justified.

Key steps for the security deposit statement

The following steps help you review the statement and enforce repayment:

• Collect receipts, photos and emails (evidence, receipts) for damages, repairs and agreements.
• Check account statements and interest records (deposit, payment) for the deposit account.
• Send a written demand to the landlord (notice, form) with a clear deadline and amount demanded.
• Observe deadlines: six months is common for final accounting, exceptions possible (deadline, within).
• In case of ongoing dispute consider enforcement through a local court or payment order (court, eviction).

Forms, deadlines and evidence

There is no single nationwide standard form for a deposit statement, but there are procedural forms and template letters for payment demands. When you demand repayment, state the amount, attach copies of evidence and set a clear deadline. Procedural rules for court steps apply under the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO)^[2].

Practical templates and examples

Examples tenants can use:

• Demand for repayment (template letter) stating amount, account and deadline (notice, form).
• Payment order as a fast extrajudicial step for unpaid claims (court, eviction).
• Payment claim at the local court if the payment order is unsuccessful (court, lawsuit).

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is responsible for the deposit statement?

The landlord must manage the deposit and provide a comprehensible statement; in case of dispute the local court usually decides.

How long can the landlord keep the deposit?

There is no fixed nationwide deadline, but up to six months is common in practice; more time may be needed for complex settlements.

What evidence is important?

Account statements of the deposit account, invoices, photos and handover protocols are essential evidence.

Step-by-step guide

1. Gather documents: receipts, photos, handover protocol and account statements (evidence, receipts).
2. Check the statement: verify interest, legitimate deductions and totals (deposit, payment).
3. Send a written demand: set a deadline and request payment by template letter (notice, form).
4. Wait and act: if the deadline passes, consider a payment order or claim (deadline, within).
5. Court action: if necessary, file a claim at the local court with all evidence (court, lawsuit).

Help and Support / Resources

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

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) – Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) – Entscheidungen