Before signing, check
- Kaltmiete, Nebenkosten advance, total, and the date and account for payment (usually by the 3rd working day of the month).
- Unlimited (unbefristet) vs fixed-term; any Staffelmiete or Indexmiete clause.
- Any waiver of the right to terminate (Kündigungsverzicht) — legal for up to 4 years.
- Rules on subletting, pets (dogs/cats cannot be banned by a blanket clause), and balcony use.
- Schönheitsreparaturen (redecoration) clauses: rigid clauses ("paint every 3 years", or a flat handed over unrenovated) are often invalid. Ask a Mieterverein before paying for renovation when you move out.
Deposit (Kaution) — §551 BGB
- Max 3 months' Kaltmiete.
- You may pay in 3 monthly instalments, the first at the start of the tenancy.
- The landlord must keep it separate from their own money, on an interest-bearing account.
- Return after moving out: usually within 3–6 months. Part may be held back until the next Nebenkosten statement.
Nebenkosten statement (Nebenkostenabrechnung)
- Must reach you within 12 months after the end of the billing period. After that, the landlord can't claim extra payments.
- You may inspect the receipts (Belegeinsicht). Common errors: costs that aren't allowed (administration, repairs), or wrong area or person counts.
- Pay any balance due within about 30 days, or object in writing within 12 months.
Notice periods
| Who | Notice |
|---|---|
| Tenant | 3 months, in writing (paper with signature, not email), received by the 3rd working day of a month |
| Landlord | 3, 6 or 9 months depending on tenancy length — only with a legal reason (own use, serious breach) |
Your responsibilities
- Air the flat (short full ventilation 2–3 times a day, Stoßlüften) to prevent mould. Mould disputes are common, and ventilation is your duty.
- Report defects in writing immediately (Mängelanzeige). Rent can be reduced (Mietminderung) for significant defects — only after reporting, and ideally with advice.
- Follow the Hausordnung (house rules): quiet hours, stairwell cleaning, rubbish.
- Small repairs clause: you may have to pay small repairs up to about €100–120 each, with an annual cap.
Help: local Mieterverein (Deutscher Mieterbund) · Verbraucherzentrale