Tenant Termination Checklist for Germany

As a tenant in Germany, writing a proper notice of termination can be stressful. This guide explains step by step what information a valid termination letter should contain, which deadlines under the BGB apply, and which wordings to avoid. You will get a practical checklist, sample phrasings, guidance on proving delivery and information on when a court (local court) becomes competent. I also show which official forms and authority links are helpful and how to collect documents for a possible legal dispute. The goal is that you can formulate your termination securely and clearly, observe deadlines and avoid costly mistakes.

What belongs in the termination?

A regular termination must be in writing and signed by the tenant; this follows from the termination provisions in tenancy law and specifically from § 568 BGB.^[1] Additionally, §§ 535–580a BGB regulate basic obligations and deadlines in tenancy law, which you should check before terminating.^[2] State clearly in the letter: your name, the rental address, the date of the termination, the desired end date and your signature. Use precise phrasing and avoid ambiguities.

• State termination date and concrete end date (observe deadlines).
• Include full name, current address and, if applicable, contract number.
• Clear phrasing: "I hereby terminate the tenancy agreement for ... on ..." (no conditional formulations).
• Plan proof of delivery: registered mail with return receipt or document personal handover.
• Keep copies of all relevant documents, photos of defects and communication.
• Provide the landlord's correct address; if necessary, know the address of the competent local court.
• Note rules for the handover and key return and arrange appointments.

Sample phrasing and notes

Short formal example: "I hereby terminate the tenancy agreement for the apartment Musterstraße 1, 10115 Musterstadt, as of 30.09.2025. Please confirm receipt of this letter in writing." Use simple, clear sentences. For special terminations (e.g. due to uninhabitable defects), additionally check the relevant BGB paragraphs and document defects carefully.^[2]

Send the termination preferably by registered mail with return receipt or hand it over personally against confirmation of receipt. If there are later disputes, proof of delivery serves as important evidence.

FAQ

Can I terminate orally?

No. A regular termination must be in writing and signed by the tenant to be effective.^[1]

What is the notice period for a tenant?

For the tenant, the statutory notice period is usually three months, unless the rental agreement states otherwise.

Where to turn in case of problems after termination?

In case of legal disputes, the competent local court is usually responsible; for lawsuits and procedural questions, the rules of the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) apply.^[3]

How-To

1. Check your lease and the relevant BGB paragraphs, especially § 568 BGB.
2. Determine the earliest possible end date considering the notice period.
3. Write a short, unambiguous termination letter with all required information and sign it.
4. Send the letter by registered mail with return receipt or hand it over personally against confirmation.
5. Keep copies, dispatch receipts and all relevant evidence in a safe place.
6. If conflicts arise, check whether a lawsuit is necessary and inform yourself about the competent local court and the ZPO.

Help and Support / Resources

• Forms and Laws: BGB online
• ZPO: Laws on lawsuits and procedure
• Federal Court of Justice: Decisions and guidance

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1. [1] BGB §568 — Termination of tenancy
2. [2] BGB §§535–580a — Tenancy law (excerpt)
3. [3] ZPO — Code of Civil Procedure (rules)