Terminating a lease as a tenant: how to do it
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Detailed explanation, checklist and sources
A tenant can usually terminate the lease with a notice period equal to the payment period. If you terminate correctly and in a provable manner, you avoid disputes about additional rent.
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Determine the notice period
If you pay monthly, the notice period is generally 1 month. The notice period for the tenant is never longer than 3 months. Do check whether your contract or special form of rental requires additional attention.
Give notice in writing and keep proof
State the address, the desired end date, and ask for confirmation and an appointment for the final inspection. Preferably send the termination by registered mail and also in an additional provable manner, and keep copies.
Arrange the inspection, keys and deposit
Make arrangements for the initial and final inspections, repair items, meter readings and handover of keys. Record the condition of the property with photographs and provide your bank account number for repayment of the deposit.
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Lease agreement and payment period
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- Lease agreement and payment period
- Correct desired end date
- Signed termination letter and proof of sending
- Agreements about inspection and handover
- Photographs, meter readings, keys and bank account
Frequently asked questions
Can my contract state a longer notice period?
For tenants, the statutory period corresponds to the payment period and is never longer than 3 months. A deviating provision is not always valid.
Do I have to terminate the lease by registered letter?
A provable written termination prevents disputes. Juridisch Loket advises sending it by registered mail and ordinary post, while keeping a copy and proof of sending.