Nice to have you here
at WG-Gesucht.de!

Offer/Request

Offer All categories Flatshares 1 Room Flats Flats Houses Request All categories Flatshares 1 Room Flats Flats Houses

Guides & Services

Shared Living & Housing Types of Shared Flats Credit Checks & Proofs Schufa itsmydata Letting and Apartment Search 10 Common Questions from Tenants Legal & Safety Tenancy Law Moving & Living Moving Guide Apartment Viewing Rent a Moving Van Utility Cost Statement

For Companies Credit Check Create an Ad

Create Offer Create Request

Help / Contact

Help Center Legal Notice Advertising

Moving – Terminating the Rental Agreement: Notice Periods & Tips

Correct and timely termination of the rental agreement is a key step when moving.

Terminating the Rental Agreement: Moving Out Properly Prepared

When moving, tenants usually need to terminate their existing rental agreement. To ensure the termination is valid and to avoid unnecessary costs, notice periods, formal requirements and contractual rules must be carefully observed.

You can find more helpful moving-related topics in our moving service overview.

Calculating the Notice Period Correctly

In most cases, tenants must observe a notice period of three months. What matters is the date on which the termination reaches the landlord. If the notice is received too late, the rental agreement is extended by another month.

Example: If the termination is received on May 4, the rental agreement usually ends on August 31.

The Correct Form of Termination

Termination of the rental agreement must be submitted in writing and signed personally. All tenants listed in the contract must sign the notice.

Electronic terminations by email, fax or messaging services are not legally valid.

Ordinary and Extraordinary Termination

Ordinary termination takes place in compliance with the notice period. Extraordinary termination is only possible in exceptional cases, such as serious defects that make the apartment unusable.

In such cases, seeking legal advice is recommended.

Special Termination Rights

Special termination rights apply only in specific situations, for example in the case of rent increases or major modernization measures. A planned move alone does not constitute a special right to terminate.

Always check carefully whether a special termination right applies in your situation.

Avoid Common Mistakes When Terminating

Common mistakes include:

missing or incorrect signatures
late receipt by the landlord
termination in the wrong form
unclear end date of the lease

A carefully prepared and timely termination helps prevent disputes later on.

Frequently Asked Questions About Terminating a Rental Agreement

What notice period applies for tenants?

In most cases, the notice period is three months to the end of the month, unless the rental agreement states otherwise.

In which form must the termination be submitted?

Termination must be in written form and signed by hand. Termination by email, messaging apps or phone is not sufficient.

What is an extraordinary termination?

An extraordinary termination is an early or immediate termination that is only possible in exceptional cases, such as severe defects in the apartment.

Does moving affect the notice period?

No. Moving alone does not change the notice period. Special termination rights apply only in specific situations.

When is the termination considered received?

The termination is considered received once it has demonstrably reached the landlord—not when it is sent.

Note:
Our content is carefully researched and regularly updated. It provides general guidance on creditworthiness and apartment hunting and does not replace individual legal or financial advice.

The content on this page is protected by copyright.

More topics about Moving & Living

Moving Service: Everything You Need for a Smooth Move

## Moving Service: Well Prepared for Your New Home Moving is more than just packing boxes. In addition to organizing the moving day itself, there are...

Moving – Security Deposit Refund: Deadlines, Deductions &...

## Security Deposit Refund: What to Know After Moving Out After moving out of a rental property, many tenants wonder when they will receive their sec...

Moving – Defects in the Rental Property: Identify, Report...

## Defects in the Rental Property: How to Act When Moving When moving in or during the tenancy, defects in the rental property may become apparent. T...

Moving – Cancel Phone, Internet and Cable Services:...

## Cancel or Transfer Phone, Internet and Cable Services When Moving? A move is the perfect opportunity to review your existing phone, internet and c...

Other countries
Switzerland
Austria

Follow us on