Document background
The Notice of Intent to Vacate (Kündigungsschreiben) is a crucial document in German tenancy law, required whenever a tenant plans to end their lease agreement. This document must comply with the German Civil Code (BGB), which requires written notice and specific notice periods (typically three months for residential tenancies). The notice must include essential information such as the property address, intended vacancy date, and tenant's new address for future correspondence. It serves as official documentation of the tenant's intention to terminate the lease and initiates the move-out process. The document is commonly used in both residential and commercial tenancies across Germany and must be provided within specified timeframes to be legally valid. It forms the basis for subsequent processes such as property inspection, utility transfers, and security deposit return.
