hTTi

Hello,

What is the length of the contract for renting an apartment in Germany?
In the US you sign a contract on a year, or a bit rarely 2 years with tenants, is that forbidden in Germany?
Can I tell my tenant after a year or two that I need my apartment back for my use or tell him that I want to rent it out to somebody else?
I know that through Mr. Lodge (an example) you can rent it with a 3 months long term, and new tenant would be in after that, but is that doable with no a rental property company?

Thanks,
Nixon.

Nixon wrote: ↑Tue Mar 26, 2024 9:54 pmWhat is the length of the contract for renting an apartment in Germany?

There is no standard length. Either you set a limited time, because you know you want it back for a specific future date - it may be harder to find a tenant like that as it means the person in question also has to move twice.
Or you set an open-ended contract that only ends if one of the parties gives notice/cancels in writing.

Nixon wrote: ↑Tue Mar 26, 2024 9:54 pm Can I tell my tenant after a year or two that I need my apartment back for my use or tell him that I want to rent it out to somebody else?

Yes, you can give notice on an open-ended contract and tell the tenant you want it back for your own use or because you need it for a named close family member - that is perfectly acceptable. But I don't think that just because you want to rent it out to a friend, acquaintance (or simply someone new) will be deemed a valid reason for your cancellation of their contract to be acceptable. The tenant is protected by law against that sort of thing.

Google Eigenbedarf. That's when you claim the need to use the apartment yourself or for a close family member. It won't fly if you claim Eigenbedarf but already have a suitable apartment in the area so it's not Carte Blanche to do what you like with sitting tenants. If you let the apartment for a limited time you must specify the reason why the apartment will not be suitable for the tenant after date x and you can't say "because I want to paint the place". It must be something that will make the apartment genuinely unusable, like a complete renovation and you may be asked to prove that this was carried out!

I've heard of cases where the owner has to pay moving expenses, etc. to get someone out.

Thanks all.