Terminate the rental agreement How to move out stress-free
Whether you are moving into a larger apartment or relocating to a new city for professional reasons, terminating your rental agreement requires careful planning and compliance with certain formalities. In this blog article, you will learn step by step how to terminate your rental agreement and what you should keep in mind to ensure a smooth move-out from your apartment.
Keep the notice period in mind
Before terminating your rental agreement, you should take a close look at it. The statutory notice period for tenants is usually three months, unless a shorter period has been agreed in the contract.
- Statutory period: Three months, unless the rental agreement provides for a different arrangement.
- Grace period: The law allows a grace period of three working days. This means that the termination notice must be received by the landlord no later than the third working day of the month for that month to count towards the notice period.
Special provisions may be included in some rental agreements, so it is worth checking the termination conditions carefully.
Organisation of apartment handover
An important step when terminating your rental agreement is the handover. Before moving out of the apartment, you should prepare a handover report. This documents the condition of the apartment and serves as key evidence if disagreements about damage arise later. The following points should be recorded in the handover report:
- Condition of the rooms (especially any damage or defects)
- Meter readings for electricity, water and gas
- Photos for documentation, especially of existing defects
Both the tenant and the landlord should sign the report during the apartment handover. This gives both parties written proof of the apartment’s condition at the time of return.
Renovation and cosmetic repairs
Many rental agreements stipulate that tenants must carry out cosmetic repairs before moving out. This may include painting the walls or repairing minor damage, for example. Check your rental agreement for such clauses and make sure that all required work has been completed before the apartment is handed back to the landlord.
Get your deposit back
After you have properly handed back the apartment, you are entitled to the return of your deposit. Landlords have the right to retain part of the deposit to cover any outstanding costs or repairs. The repayment of the deposit can take up to six months, but this should usually happen sooner if there are no major points of dispute.
Checklist for moving out
To make sure you do not forget anything when terminating your rental agreement, here is a brief checklist of the most important steps:
Check the rental agreement: how long is the notice period?
Prepare the termination letter: send the letter correctly and within the required notice period.
Apartment handover: prepare a handover report and have it signed by both parties.
Renovation: carry out any required cosmetic repairs.
Deposit: assert your right to have the deposit returned.
Terminate your rental agreement without stress.
Terminating a rental agreement requires some planning and careful attention to notice periods. A carefully prepared termination letter and a well-documented handover help ensure that the move-out runs smoothly. If you need support with your move, DACHSER & KOLB is at your side with professional moving services. We help you organize your move quickly and without stress, from the safe transport of your furniture to arranging a no-parking zone.
We are here for you
We could not answer your question?
Then do not hesitate to contact us.
Donna Draganov
Teamlead Customer Service & Sales - ROAD
Need to move?
Planning a move and looking for a reliable moving company? Get your personalized moving quote in seconds – straightforward and transparent. We will then contact you personally and do everything we can to implement your wishes in the best possible way.
