Before signing a German rental lease
Separate the base rent, operating costs and utilities before comparing homes. Ask your housing office to review the written terms, including the deposit and how you can leave.
Last recorded review: 2026-08-12. Requirements can change; confirm with the linked source or responsible office. Boris is independent of the DoD.
Work out the actual monthly total
Kaltmiete is the base rent. Ask exactly what the quoted Warmmiete includes and what you must arrange separately. Under BGB §556, operating costs can be agreed as a flat amount or as advance payments; advance payments require annual accounting. “Warm” does not mean every household bill is covered.
Check the deposit
For residential tenancy, BGB §551 caps a security deposit at three months of rent excluding separately stated operating costs. A cash deposit may be paid in three monthly installments, beginning at the start of the tenancy. The landlord must keep it separate from their own assets. Do not assume the law sets a universal six-month return deadline.
Review the exit terms before you commit
Ask your housing office to review the lease before signing. Identify the notice period, any fixed term, rent-increase clause and any written PCS termination agreement. Do not assume orders automatically release you from a German lease.
In the Boris app
Use the free KMC checklist in Boris to organize your next steps. No account required.
