Kaution (deposit) recovery after departure

Overview

Use this after moving out when you are waiting for your rental deposit (Kaution) to be returned. Landlords generally have up to six months; escalate via Mieterverein or legal help if needed.

Timing to be aware of

When triggered

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

What you'll need

• Bank details (German or foreign)
• Übergabeprotokoll copy

Common questions

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

• I already left Germany but forgot to do my Abmeldung. Is this a problem?
• I'm moving. Will the post office automatically forward my mail?
• The online application for my visa renewal is showing a Technical Error. What is the fallback?

Related events

• Kündigung of rental contract
  Critical
  Deadline applies
• Wohnungsübergabe (apartment handover) preparation
  High
  When triggered
• Kündigung of electricity/gas contracts
  High
  Deadline applies
• Abmeldung (deregistration) filing
  Critical
  Deadline applies
• Kündigung of internet contract
  High
  Deadline applies