Substitute Tenant Proposal for Students in Germany

Termination by Tenant 3 min read · published September 07, 2025

Students who need to leave their apartment before the end of the lease can save time and costs with a well-prepared substitute-tenant proposal. This article explains step by step what a substitute-tenant proposal is, which documents landlords expect, and which deadlines apply under German tenancy law. You will learn how to use a template form, which official forms exist, and how to increase your chances of approval. Concrete practical examples help in drafting a clear cover letter and proving creditworthiness. At the end you will find a simple guide for submission, important FAQs and links to relevant legal sources and courts in Germany. The tips are practical, easy to understand and tailored to the situation of students in Germany.

What is a substitute-tenant proposal?

A substitute-tenant proposal is an offer by the current tenant to propose a suitable replacement tenant so that the lease can be terminated early or the landlord can accept a relet. A substitute-tenant proposal is not a formal legal obligation but can help avoid disputes and costs. When preparing a proposal, include proof of creditworthiness, contact details and a short cover letter.

A well-documented substitute-tenant proposal increases the landlord's chances of acceptance.

When is it useful?

  • When you as a student must terminate before the contract ends and seek a replacement tenant solution.
  • If the lease does not contain a fixed replacement clause and you want to avoid costs.
  • If the landlord is skeptical and you can provide creditworthiness and references.

Which documents belong in a proposal?

Assemble a package that makes the decision easy for the landlord: cover letter, copy of ID or student ID, current income statements or guarantor, certificate of no rent arrears from the current landlord and contact details of the proposed tenant. If possible, include references and a short credit summary.

Add a clear deadline in the cover letter for when the landlord should respond.

Forms and legal basis

Important legal regulations for tenancy are found in the German Civil Code (BGB), especially regarding obligations, termination and rental of living space[1]. Rental disputes are usually dealt with by the local court (Amtsgericht), where matters like eviction suits or rent reduction cases are handled[2]. Sample forms and official guidance on forms are provided by the Federal Ministry of Justice[3].

Practical example: sample cover letter

A short sample cover letter should include: introduction of the current tenant, name and contact of the proposed tenant, desired start date of the tenancy, note on attached credit documents and a request for written confirmation.

A concise letter reduces follow-up questions and speeds up the decision.

What if the landlord does not respond?

Document all contact attempts by e-mail, registered mail or personal delivery. If deadlines pass, check your contractual obligations: without agreement, the statutory notice period usually remains. If you submitted a proposal on time and in full, it can be used as leverage in negotiations, but it does not automatically release you from contractual duties.

Keep copies of all documents and proofs in case of later dispute.

FAQ

Can the landlord reject any proposed replacement tenant?
The landlord can reject a proposed replacement tenant if there are legitimate doubts about their reliability or ability to pay; however, a blanket rejection without reason is harder to justify.
Is there an official form for substitute-tenant proposals?
There is no nationwide mandatory form for substitute-tenant proposals; use a clearly structured cover letter and attach standard documents such as proof of income and ID.
What costs do I face if a proposal is rejected?
Costs mainly arise from missed deadlines or lost rental income; in disputes court or attorney fees may also apply.

How-To

  1. Prepare a short cover letter, state the desired handover date and include contact details.
  2. Attach credit documents of the proposed tenant (pay slips, guarantor, certificate of no rent arrears).
  3. Send the proposal by e-mail and registered mail and document the dispatch.
  4. Obtain written confirmation and arrange a handover appointment if necessary.

Help and Support

  1. [1] German Civil Code (BGB) § 535 and following — gesetze-im-internet.de
  2. [2] Information on courts in Germany — Federal Ministry of Justice
  3. [3] Forms and services of the Federal Ministry of Justice — bmj.de

Categories

Tenant Rights & Protections Lease Agreements & Types Security Deposits & Accounts Rent & Rent Control Utilities & Service Charge Billing Repairs & Maintenance Duties Modernization & Cost Allocation Termination by Tenant Termination by Landlord & Protection Move-In & Move-Out Inspections House Rules & Communal Rights Privacy & Landlord Entry Rights Discrimination & Equal Treatment Accessibility & Disability Rights Social Housing & Housing Entitlement Certificate Housing Allowance & Rent Subsidies Dispute Resolution & Rent Reduction Safety & Emergency Protections Liability & Household Insurance Special Termination Protections Special Housing Types Tenant Associations & Advice Services
Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Germany

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.

Related Articles