Wohnungskündigung — ordinary rental termination explained

What is a Wohnungskündigung?

A Wohnungskündigung is the formal notice ending a residential lease (Mietvertrag). It must be in Schriftform (written, signed letter — email or WhatsApp alone is usually not valid). After the Kündigungsfrist (notice period), the tenancy ends on the stated date.

This guide covers ordentliche Kündigung (ordinary termination with notice). That includes you giving notice to move out, or a landlord ending the contract for reasons other than urgent personal need — which is a separate case called Eigenbedarfskündigung. For termination without any notice period because of a serious breach, see fristlose Kündigung.

Tenant vs landlord termination

• Kündigung durch den Mieter — you give notice to leave; no reason required
• Kündigung durch den Vermieter — landlord ends the lease; often needs a permitted reason in cities with strong tenant protection or for fixed-term contracts

Read the letter carefully to see who terminated and whether a reason is stated. Your rights differ sharply between the two.

Written form (Schriftform)

German rental law requires written termination. The letter must be signed by the terminating party (or authorised agent). A PDF attached to email is often disputed — original signed letter or qualified electronic signature is safest. If form is invalid, the Kündigung may be void.

Notice period (Kündigungsfrist)

• Tenant — statutory minimum usually 3 months to the end of a calendar month (§573c BGB), unless the contract states a longer period within legal limits
• Landlord — depends on how long you have lived there: often 3 months for short tenancy, longer for many years (§573c BGB scales with duration)
• Check your contract — it cannot shorten tenant notice below the legal minimum

The letter must state when notice was given and the exact Beendigungsdatum (last day of tenancy). Count from the day the other party received the signed letter.

What the letter should contain

• Names of landlord and tenant
• Address of the flat
• Clear statement of termination (Kündigung des Mietverhältnisses)
• Date notice was issued
• End date after lawful notice period
• Signature of the party giving notice
• If landlord terminates: stated reason where required (renovation, own use of another unit, contract expiry, etc.)

When the landlord may terminate (ordinary)

Outside Eigenbedarf, landlords may terminate for example when:

• Fixed-term contract (befristeter Vertrag) expires without extension
• Major modernisation or conversion is planned (strict requirements)
• Landlord needs the flat for other permitted purposes under local law
• Tenant seriously breached the contract after warning — different from ordinary convenience termination

In many cities, Milieuschutz or Kündigungssperre temporarily blocks terminations for conversion. A termination during a ban may be invalid.

When you as tenant give notice

You do not need to give a reason. Send signed notice respecting the 3-month rule (or contract period). Plan handover, final rent, utility readings, and Kaution (deposit) return. You remain liable for rent until the valid end date even if you move out earlier.

Tenant Widerspruch — hardship extension (§574 BGB)

If the landlord terminated and ending the lease would cause undue hardship (age, illness, lack of alternatives, children in local school), you may file a Widerspruch to extend the tenancy. Deadlines are strict — often within two months of receiving the Kündigung, with proof. This is not the same as a one-month appeal on a Bescheid; it is a special tenant protection in housing law.

Invalid or challengeable termination

• Wrong notice period or impossible end date
• Not in Schriftform or unsigned
• Landlord cited Eigenbedarf but facts do not match — see Eigenbedarfskündigung guide
• Termination during Kündigungssperre / Milieuschutz
• Discrimination or retaliation after you complained about defects
• Confusion with Mieterhöhung or Abmahnung — those are not termination

After the notice — handover and deposit

• Schedule Wohnungsübergabe (handover) with protocol and meter readings
• Return keys; document condition with photos
• Expect Nebenkostenabrechnung within about 12 months — see Nebenkostenabrechnung guide
• Kaution return typically after settlement; landlord may deduct lawful claims
• Register new address (Ummeldung) and update post forwarding

What to do — step by step

Step 1: Check who terminated — tenant or landlord.

Step 2: Verify Schriftform and signature.

Step 3: Calculate Kündigungsfrist and Beendigungsdatum from receipt date.

Step 4: If landlord terminated, assess §574 Widerspruch and Milieuschutz.

Step 5: Plan handover, deposit, and final utilities.

Step 6: Get legal advice if the notice looks invalid.

When to get help

• Notice period seems too short for your tenancy length.
• Landlord claims Eigenbedarf but you suspect it is false.
• You need hardship extension under §574.
• Termination arrived with a rent increase or warning only — clarify status.
• Deposit not returned or disputed damages after moving out.

Tenant associations (Mieterverein) and housing lawyers help with Kündigung disputes.

Key terms glossary

Still not sure what your letter wants?

• ✓ Plain English summary of end date and notice period
• ✓ Tenant vs landlord termination flagged
• ✓ Schriftform and Frist checks
• ✓ Draft reply or Widerspruch points in German

Last updated: June 2026