Moving out

If you are moving out of a rented flat, it is essential to plan everything in good time. In Germany, rental contracts are usually terminated with 3 months' notice - unless the contract allows a shorter notice period. The notice of cancellation must be submitted in writing and in good time. Pay close attention to the wording of the rental contract to avoid misunderstandings. Inform your landlord in due time that you are moving out and clarify when the handover will occur. During this handover, the condition of the flat will be checked together.

The handover is a crucial step when moving out. You and your landlord will check the condition of the flat together. A handover protocol is drawn up, and all defects or damage are listed. This protocol is vital to avoid disputes later on. Ensure the flat is returned clean and as agreed in the rental contract– this also includes any cosmetic repairs. Make a note of all meter readings (electricity, water, gas) so that there are no problems with the final bill. The key is handed over at the end of the handover.

You can download further tips on moving out and a template for the handover protocol as a PDF from the Mieterschutzbund website.

As a tenant, you have both rights and obligations when you move out. You are obliged to return the flat in the condition specified in the rental contract. It is often agreed in the contract that you must carry out cosmetic repairs, such as painting the walls. It is essential to check whether this provision is actually legally valid, as not all clauses on decorative repairs are valid. A tenant protection organisation or tenants' association can help you with this question. You can find a tenant protection association in your area at mieterbund.de. Another point of contact can be the Consumer Advice Centre (Verbraucherzentrale).

Good to know: A tenant protection association or tenants' association is an organisation that supports tenants. If you have problems with your flat or your landlord, you can seek advice and support there. For instance, if the rent is too high, repairs are needed in the flat, or there is a dispute with the landlord. The association stands up for tenants' rights and can help you find solutions. You usually have to become a member of these tenant protection organisations and pay an annual membership fee (approx. €50), but in return, you will also receive comprehensive advice and legal assistance. 

The security deposit is a sort of guarantee that the landlord receives from you at the start of the tenancy. After you move out, landlords must return this deposit, but not immediately. Landlords have the right to withhold the deposit until all possible claims (e.g. for repairs or outstanding service charges) have been settled. As a rule, however, the deposit should be repaid within 6 months of moving out if no significant damage has been found.

Before you move out, you should handle a few organisational matters. You can find an overview of them on our page ‘Renting a flat’. The first steps include re-registering with the registration office and informing your city or municipality of your new address. You can learn more about it in our chapter ‘Registering your place of residence’.

You should also cancel your electricity, gas, water and internet contracts or transfer them to your new address. 

If you are moving to another city, you should also remember to re-register your children at school or daycare centres and notify your insurance company and bank of the move.

After moving out, it is essential to leave the flat clean and in a proper condition so that there are no problems when you hand it over. Record the meter readings for electricity, gas and water so that there are no discrepancies when the bills are issued later.