Is it possible to terminate a rental agreement early?
December 29, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Hans Krüger
Dear lawyer,
I urgently need your help regarding my rental agreement. My name is Sven Lahn and I have been living in a rented apartment in Stuttgart for two years. Unfortunately, I recently lost my job and can no longer afford to pay the rent. Therefore, I would like to terminate my rental agreement early in order to avoid financial difficulties.
The current situation is that I am unable to pay the rent monthly and I am therefore in a precarious financial situation. I am very worried about what the future holds, as I do not know if my landlord will agree to an early termination of the contract. Additionally, I am concerned that if I have to terminate the contract without notice, I may incur high costs and face legal consequences.
My question to you as an expert in civil law is therefore: Is it possible to terminate my rental agreement early and if so, what is the best course of action? Are there legal options to find a mutually agreeable solution with my landlord without getting into financial difficulties? I would be very grateful for your support and advice in this difficult situation.
Yours sincerely,
Sven Lahn
Dear Mr. Lahn,
I understand your concerns regarding your financial situation and the rental agreement. Indeed, it is possible to terminate a rental agreement prematurely, but certain legal aspects must be considered.
First of all, it is important to mention that a rental agreement is generally signed for a specific period of time, and therefore a regular termination is only possible by adhering to the contractually agreed notice period. In your case, since you are no longer able to pay the rent, an extraordinary termination without notice could be considered.
However, in the case of an extraordinary termination without notice, there must be serious reasons that make it unreasonable for the tenant to continue paying the agreed rent. Financial difficulties due to unemployment could certainly be considered such a reason. It is advisable, however, that you seek legal advice before an extraordinary termination without notice to ensure that the requirements are met.
Another possibility to find a mutually acceptable solution with your landlord would be to negotiate a contract termination or an early mutual termination. For example, you could suggest leaving the apartment as soon as possible and agree with your landlord on a reasonable settlement. This option is often the best solution to avoid legal consequences and high costs.
It is advisable that you have a conversation with your landlord and explain your situation in detail. Show him that you are trying to find a solution that is acceptable for both parties. If your landlord does not agree to an early termination, you can also contact a mediation center or a lawyer specializing in rental law for assistance.
I hope this information is helpful to you and wish you success in finding a solution with your landlord. If you have any further questions or need legal assistance, I am at your disposal.
Best regards,
Hans Krüger
