📤 Checklist: Terminating Your Rental Lease

Notice period, handover protocol, deposit refund — everything for a smooth move-out.

German terms

Kündigung Kündigungsfrist Übergabeprotokoll Kaution Wohnungsübergabe Mietvertrag

Progress 0 / 8

Check the notice period in your rental contract Required

Kündigungsfrist / § 573c BGB

Legal requirement: 3 months to the end of a month (§ 573c BGB). Special termination rights if rent increases. Notice must be IN WRITING (not by email!). Registered mail recommended.

Send written termination notice to your landlord Required

Kündigungsschreiben / Einschreiben

Via registered mail with receipt. All tenants in the contract must sign! Include date, address, signature, and desired end date. Template available on hamboorg.city under Vorlagen.

Check decorative repairs clause (rigid clauses are invalid!) Optional

Schönheitsreparaturen

Many renovation clauses are unenforceable (BGH court rulings). Rigid time periods ('every 3 years') are void. If unsure: contact tenant association. General rule: return apartment in normal condition.

Hand over the apartment with protocol Required

Übergabeprotokoll / Wohnungsübergabe

Create Übergabeprotokoll jointly with landlord. Document all rooms, meter readings (electricity, gas, water), keys. Take photos! Both parties sign.

Read meter readings and notify utilities Required

Zählerstand / Energieversorger

Read electricity, gas, water on handover day and photograph. Notify municipal utilities or update your address.

Demand return of your security deposit Required

Mietkaution / Kautionsrückzahlung

Landlord has reasonable time (approx. 3-6 months) to inspect. Deposit must be returned with interest. Dispute? Contact tenant association or lawyer. Request in writing after deadline!

Set up mail forwarding with postal service Required

Nachsendeauftrag / Deutsche Post

Online at nachsendeauftrag.de. 6 or 12 months available. Cost: approx. €30/12 months. Important for utility bill settlement!

Await operating cost settlement (up to 12 months) Required

Nebenkostenabrechnung / Betriebskostenabrechnung

Landlord has 12 months after accounting period. Refund or additional payment possible. Check accounting — approx. 50% contain errors! Tenant association can review.