Deposit higher than three months' rent – is that allowed?
Likely invalid
Likely invalid — such a clause does not bind you.
The deposit may not exceed three months' cold rent (§551 para. 1 BGB).
What you can do next
Request reduction of the deposit to a maximum of three months' net cold rent.
The law behind it
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Check the whole contractRelated questions
- Paying the deposit in instalments – can the landlord refuse?
- Deposit not kept in a separate interest-bearing account – may the landlord do that?
- Deposit below three months' rent – is that allowed?
- Set-off ban in a rental contract – can the landlord do that?
- Fixed-term rental contract without a reason – is the term valid?
- Landlord may enter the flat at any time – is that allowed?
General information based on German law and court decisions, checked by lawyers — not legal advice for your individual case.