🏚️ What is rent debt?

Rent debt can arise from unpaid rent itself but also unpaid service fees, advance payments, or utility charges related to the use of an apartment or commercial space. Be careful: oral agreements or vague text messages aren’t enough. In court, you’ll need evidence.

🧾 Evidence, evidence, evidence…

Prepare:

• A written lease agreement

• A clear list of payments (e.g. from your bank account)

• Any prior reminders or written communication

• Witnesses, if relevant conversations took place in person or by phone

No proof = no chance in court.

✉️ Demand and lease termination

Start with a written demand for payment – ideally sent by registered mail or data box. If the tenant still doesn’t pay, you can issue a notice to terminate the lease due to serious breach of obligations. For apartments, the termination notice usually has a three-month period; for commercial premises, immediate termination may be possible.

⚠️ Warning: A faulty notice = invalid notice.

⚖️ Lawsuit for unpaid rent

If neither a demand nor termination helps, you can take legal action – filing a claim for unpaid rent. This may be a regular lawsuit or a payment order (a quicker, cheaper option). If you succeed, the court can also order the tenant to reimburse your legal costs.

❌ Most common mistakes landlords make

• Terminating the lease without written evidence of the debt

• Waiting too long “hoping things improve”

• Disorganized records and vague communication

• Using invalid templates for notices or letters

💡 Lawyer’s tip

If your tenant isn’t paying, don’t “wait and see.” Every month of delay reduces your odds of recovery and increases the loss. Many landlords only seek legal help once the tenant is gone and the money is long lost. But success comes from the right steps taken early.