Suggest a New Tenant: Checklist for Renters in Germany

As a renter in Germany, you may want to suggest a suitable successor tenant when terminating a lease, especially for complex contracts like graduated-rent agreements. This guide explains how to timely present a successor tenant, which documents (pay slips, credit record, tenant self-disclosure) are useful and which wordings landlords may accept. You will also learn the legal limits set by the BGB, how to coordinate viewing appointments and how to ensure uninterrupted documentation. The aim is to meet your termination deadline, avoid liability issues and increase the chances that the landlord accepts the proposed tenant. The tips are practical, easy to understand and tailored specifically to renters in German cities. Read on for sample texts, forms and court references.

What to prepare

Before proposing a successor tenant, collect all relevant documents and prepare short information so the landlord can make a quick assessment.

• Full contact details of the successor tenant and planned move-in date.
• Pay slips for the last three months or income statements.
• Credit report (Schufa) or proof of solvency, if available.
• Tenant self-disclosure with previous landlord contacts and references.
• Photos of the flat for adverts and viewing appointments.

Wording & sample

A short cover letter helps: state the termination date, desired handover date and the main details of the proposed tenant. Example text:

Sample: "I hereby terminate the tenancy in due time as of [date]. I propose the following successor tenant: Name, phone number, planned move-in date. Enclosed: pay slips, tenant self-disclosure, credit report."

Rights, deadlines and graduated rent

Even with graduated rent, the right to ordinary termination remains, but special rules on rent increases and step intervals must be observed. Check whether the proposed tenant would cause changes to the graduated rent and whether the landlord has legitimate interests. For legal questions about the lease, refer to the relevant provisions of the BGB^[1] and check whether the local court (Amtsgericht) has jurisdiction for disputes^[2].

If the landlord refuses

If the landlord rejects a proposed tenant, review the reasons in writing and, if possible, request a brief justification. Proceed step by step:

• Request a written refusal with reasons.
• Propose an alternative successor tenant if possible.
• Document all contacts, emails and appointments as evidence.
• Consider legal steps or advice if the refusal appears unfounded (see BGH case law).^[3]

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the landlord reject any proposed successor tenant?

The landlord may reject a successor tenant if there are legitimate reasons (e.g. insufficient creditworthiness). A blanket rejection without justification is problematic.

Do I have to arrange viewings of my flat?

Yes, as the terminating tenant you should enable viewings and coordinate appointments with the proposed successor tenant.

What role does graduated rent play for the successor tenant?

Graduated rent remains part of the lease; check whether the step-rent arrangements can be transferred or whether changes must be negotiated.

How-To

1. Collect: Assemble all documents of the successor tenant (pay slips, credit report, self-disclosure).
2. Contact: Write a short cover letter with termination date and successor tenant information.
3. Handover: Arrange viewing appointments and submit documents.
4. Documentation: Save emails, messages and confirmations.
5. Follow-up: Ask the landlord for written confirmation of acceptance or refusal.

Key takeaways

• Prepare complete documents before proposing a successor tenant.
• Document all contacts and deadlines without gaps.
• Check graduated-rent implications for the successor tenant in the lease.

Help and Support

• Gesetze im Internet – BGB
• Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz (BMJ)
• Bundesgerichtshof (BGH)

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet — BGB
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet — ZPO
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof — BGH