Landlord terminated your lease (Kündigung) — what to do? Deadlines and objection

A lease termination (Kündigung) from your landlord is one of the most unsettling pieces of mail there is — but not every termination is automatically valid. Here's a calm overview of what to check and what rights you have.

What types of termination are there?

Ordinary termination for personal use (Eigenbedarf) – the landlord or a close relative wants to move in themselves.
Ordinary termination for economic reasons – rare, bound by high requirements.
Immediate termination for payment default – for significant rent arrears.
Immediate termination for other breach of contract – e.g. significant disturbance of the peace in the building.

What to check first

Is the termination in writing and signed by the landlord (or an authorized person)?
For personal use: is the reason stated specifically and comprehensibly (which person, why)?
Is the notice period calculated correctly (usually 3–9 months for ordinary termination, depending on how long you've lived there)?
For immediate termination due to payment default: does the stated arrears amount match?

Important: objection is often possible

You can object to a termination for personal use under certain conditions — for example, if the termination would mean particular hardship for you (advanced age, illness, no reasonable replacement housing available). This is an independent right anchored in German rental law.

How should you respond?

1. The termination seems formally correct and justified – start looking for an apartment in time, possibly ask for an extension.

2. The claimed personal use seems suspicious or unclear – ask in writing and possibly get legal advice.

3. A termination for payment default, but the amount is wrong – dispute the calculation, possibly offer to pay the arrears (may partially cure the termination).

4. A hardship situation – file a written objection referencing your personal situation.

Quick example of a reply letter

reference to the termination (date)
a clear statement of your position
if objecting: a specific explanation of the hardship

This is exactly where BriefMagic helps: describe your situation in your own language – it turns into a clearly structured letter in German, with the right tone for the landlord. You don't need to know German rental law or hunt for the right phrasing yourself. There's a translation back into your language too, and the letter stays saved in case a reply comes.

Quick summary

Not every termination is automatically valid.
For personal use, the reason must be stated specifically.
Objecting due to hardship is possible under certain conditions.
Check the deadlines carefully.

This article doesn't replace legal advice. For a termination, contacting a tenants' association (Mieterverein) or a rental law lawyer is almost always worth it.