Return of deposit from the bank

0POSTS

2 years ago

I have been back and forth with my landlord since March to try and get my deposit back, in the end I went to the Sparkasse to see what was happening they had received everything but the signed Verpfandung eines Sparguthabens once we had that the monies can be refunded into my bank account. The landlord said he does not have this form so we dropped a copy we had to obtain from the bank to his address. Now he is telling us that we have to wait until the 10th July before the funds are released. is this correct

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beppi Germany/Singapore Expert

15647POSTS

2 years ago

You can only get the deposit back if the (ex-)landlord releases it.

If he doesn't, you have to sue him for it. This can take many months (and even more nerves), so it is better to talk to him and find a mutually agreeable solution.

By law, he has 6 months to return the deposit - or more if there are still items in dispute (e.g. damages, etc.).

3 members reacted to this post

JohannesM Contributor

157POSTS

2 years ago

@GuestPoster26

yes, I agree with Beppi.

That deposit legally belong to the Landlord,

It is specifically meant as a risk assurance, to recuperate damages incurred during the rental period, or with disputes.

in your case it looks like you might still stay until July/ or there are open risks till July - like things to be fixed /cleaned.

The German approach is socially more just than the British or US system, because the accrued interest in that bank account, belong rightfully to the rentee. Another Hurra for the EU aims.