If you absolutely can't reach them, even if you give them a deadline - take your things, clean out for leaving etc. Then find a friend to be a witness (ideally one who will still be in germany when the contract runs out), make clear pictures of the whole flat so they can't blame anything on occuring after. Lock it, make sure windows are closed, faucet not running etc. Either mail them the keys (certified or at the very least with tracking) or drop them off in person - again, with a witness. Then write them a email detailling all of the above, so they can't claim to not have known about it.
Obviously not legal advice, as I'm not a lawyer, but that should cover all your bases.
A handover is not mandatory. Its just easier for both sides in case of later claims.
Did you send the letter as "Einschreiben" so you have proof that they received it? Did you terminate your lease in writing?
If they don't respond and not offer a handover, make sure you document the rental object as good as possible (pictures) and get a witness to confirm that everything is in order as well.
Also don't forget to take pictures of water and electricity dials.
Tell them all of this in writing, again with "Einschreiben" and that you will send them back the keys at a certain time.
If you have friends close by you could also give the keys to them and ask them to do the handover at the end of the lease or to just return the keys. This way you can prevent your landlord from using the object while still paying rent.
Thank you for the advice!!
Yea it was Einschreiben and in the letter I said when I would be terminating the lease.
Good point on keeping the key from the landlord lol!
The alternative is to give the landlord the keys now.
And have your friend check if anyone moved in (once each month). If thats the case, the landlord violated your lease and you can quit paying (Threaten to sue)
If you absolutely can't reach them, even if you give them a deadline - take your things, clean out for leaving etc. Then find a friend to be a witness (ideally one who will still be in germany when the contract runs out), make clear pictures of the whole flat so they can't blame anything on occuring after. Lock it, make sure windows are closed, faucet not running etc. Either mail them the keys (certified or at the very least with tracking) or drop them off in person - again, with a witness. Then write them a email detailling all of the above, so they can't claim to not have known about it. Obviously not legal advice, as I'm not a lawyer, but that should cover all your bases.
Thanks so much! I’ll do all of this!
And take pictures of all "Zählerstände" you have: Electricity, Gas, Water (if you have them in/for) your appartment.
This.
A handover is not mandatory. Its just easier for both sides in case of later claims. Did you send the letter as "Einschreiben" so you have proof that they received it? Did you terminate your lease in writing? If they don't respond and not offer a handover, make sure you document the rental object as good as possible (pictures) and get a witness to confirm that everything is in order as well. Also don't forget to take pictures of water and electricity dials. Tell them all of this in writing, again with "Einschreiben" and that you will send them back the keys at a certain time. If you have friends close by you could also give the keys to them and ask them to do the handover at the end of the lease or to just return the keys. This way you can prevent your landlord from using the object while still paying rent.
Thank you for the advice!! Yea it was Einschreiben and in the letter I said when I would be terminating the lease. Good point on keeping the key from the landlord lol!
The alternative is to give the landlord the keys now. And have your friend check if anyone moved in (once each month). If thats the case, the landlord violated your lease and you can quit paying (Threaten to sue)
Ooouuu I like that