Updated: October 2026Editorial team: Umzugsexpress GmbHTeam: 17 years in moving and clearance
Your dream flat is available, but the next termination date is months away? With a reasonable replacement tenant you can leave the lease earlier.
In short
If you move out before the notice period ends, you are released from the rent if you propose a reasonable, solvent replacement tenant who takes over the lease on the same terms. The property manager may check the application for a reasonable time, often about a month.
What the law provides
If you return the flat before the notice period ends, you are released from your obligations if you propose a reasonable replacement tenant. They must be solvent and willing to take over the lease on the same terms.
What “reasonable” means
- The rent should be in reasonable proportion to their income
- No open debt enforcement records that speak against solvency
- Willingness to take over the lease unchanged
- No objective reasons against the person
How to proceed
- Inform the property manager in writing of your desired move-out date
- Publish an ad with photos and all conditions
- Collect complete application documents and pass them on
- Keep copies and dispatch dates
Avoid paying double rent
Schedule the move only once the property manager has confirmed the replacement tenant. If you want to stay flexible, store furniture for a few weeks to bridge the gap.
Documents a replacement tenant should submit
- Completed application form of the property manager
- Current debt enforcement register extract
- Salary statement, employment contract or other proof of income
- Copy of passport or residence permit
- Declaration of willingness to take over the lease unchanged
Timeline in practice
| Step | Time needed |
|---|---|
| Inform the property manager and publish an ad | immediately |
| Viewings and collecting applications | 1–3 weeks |
| Check by the property manager | often about 4 weeks |
| Lease takeover and move | as agreed |
Template letter to the property manager
“Dear Sir or Madam, I would like to return the flat at [address] early as of [date] and propose [name] as replacement tenant. The complete application documents are enclosed. [Name] is willing to take over the lease on the existing terms. Please review and confirm. Yours faithfully”
Send the letter by registered mail and keep a copy.
The notice period calculator shows by when you would have to give regular notice.
Frequently asked questions
May the property manager charge a fee for the change of tenant?
A contribution to costs is charged in practice. Whether and how much is permissible depends on the individual case – if in doubt, seek advice from the tenants’ association or the conciliation authority.
What if the property manager rejects the replacement tenant?
If the property manager rejects a reasonable replacement tenant without objective reason, you are generally still released from your obligations. If in doubt, seek advice from the tenants’ association or the conciliation authority.
Do I have to propose several replacement tenants?
Legally one reasonable replacement tenant is enough. Several applications, however, increase the chance of a quick agreement.
Related services
- Move planning – Timeline, checklists and coordination of everyone involved.
- Home removals – Flat or house: packed, carried, driven and reassembled in your new home.
- Move-out cleaning – Move and final cleaning combined – with handover guarantee.