Guides / Deposit
Deposit
The amount, holding and return of the Kaution (§ 551 BGB).
Guides for landlords
- How to Hold and Invest a Mietkaution (2026)
How landlords must hold the Mietkaution (rental deposit): max three Nettokaltmieten, separate from personal assets, insolvency-proof and interest-bearing. Interest belongs to the tenant – § 551 BGB.
- Withholding or Returning the Kaution: Landlords 2026
When may landlords keep the Kaution and when must it be returned? Inspection period, permitted deductions and retention for the Nebenkostenabrechnung – § 551 BGB.
Guides for tenants
- Mietkaution: how much is allowed? (2026)
Your Mietkaution under § 551 BGB: at most three Nettokaltmieten, payable in three monthly instalments. Where the landlord must hold it and who gets the interest.
- Reclaiming your Kaution: when do you get it back? (2026)
Reclaiming your Kaution (security deposit) under § 551 BGB: landlords get a review period of usually 3–6 months. How to get your deposit back with interest.
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