Kaution (deposit) recovery dispute

Overview

Use this when your lease ends and the landlord withholds your deposit (Kaution). Landlords typically have 3–6 months to return it; escalate via Mieterverein or court if delayed.

Timing to be aware of

When triggered

Reference only — your timing may differ. Confirm with the relevant office.

What you'll need

• Rental contract
• move-out protocol (Übergabeprotokoll)
• bank records

Common questions

Questions people often look up at this stage. Answers are general — confirm with the relevant office or a qualified professional.

• I need a bank account to sign my rental lease, but I can't get an Anmeldung without a lease—how do I break this loop?
• I've tried the video call verification five times, but the agent keeps hanging up saying my passport is "not supported."
• I want to make sure my rent is paid on the 1st of every month without me doing it manually; what is this called?

Related events

• Mietvertrag dispute / Kündigung contestation
  High
  When triggered
• Mietminderung (rent reduction) claim
  High
  When triggered
• Notify bank of address change
  High
  On address change
• Keep Kaution payment records
  High
  On move-in
• Check Kaution return follow-up timing
  High
  3 months after move-out