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Personal Use of Residential Properties in Nuremberg, Fürth, Erlangen, Schwabach, and Roth: Rights and Obligations for Landlords and Tenants

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MYHOME REAL ESTATE - THE ORIGINAL SINCE 2014

Buying · last updated January 15, 2025 Reading time: 5 min

The issue of personal use plays a central role in the real estate market, particularly for landlords and tenants in the metropolitan region of Nuremberg, Fürth, Erlangen, Schwabach, and Roth. Landlords who own a property and wish to use it themselves or for close relatives face the challenge of asserting their right to personal use in a legally and factually correct manner. On the other hand, tenants are often confronted with the question of how they should respond to a termination for personal use and what rights they are entitled to. Both sides face complex legal and practical issues that need to be clarified.

In this article, you will learn what personal use means, how it is asserted, and what challenges may arise in the process. You will also receive tips on how to properly handle a termination for personal use.

What does “personal use” mean in real estate?

“Personal use” means that the landlord wishes to use the rented property for themselves, for family members, or for members of their household. This is one of the few legally recognized grounds for terminating a lease with a tenant. It is important to note that the landlord must present their claim of personal use in a credible and comprehensible manner.

When can personal use be asserted?

Personal use can generally only be asserted if the property is needed for the landlord themselves or for close relatives. This typically includes parents, children, siblings, and, under certain circumstances, grandchildren or nieces and nephews. The need must be concrete, such as due to changed life circumstances like moving to the region or the desire to live closer to family.

In the metropolitan region of Nuremberg, Fürth, Erlangen, Schwabach, and Roth, it is becoming increasingly important-particularly due to the growing demand for housing-to properly justify personal use in order to avoid legal complications.

A termination for personal use must meet certain legal requirements to be valid. The most important requirements include:

  • Timely Notice: The statutory notice period depends on the tenant’s length of tenancy. It is at least three months and can increase to up to nine months for longer tenancies.
  • Detailed justification: The landlord must specifically state the personal use, i.e., for whom the property is needed and why.
  • Hardship provision: In certain cases, the tenant may object to the termination, such as when moving would constitute an unreasonable hardship (e.g., the tenant’s advanced age or illness).

Example of asserting personal use

Suppose a landlord in Nuremberg wants to use his condominium himself because he is moving to the city for professional reasons. In this case, they would need to give the current tenant written notice and clearly and understandably explain the personal use, e.g.: “I need the apartment starting July 1, 2024, because I am being transferred to Nuremberg for professional reasons and will be using the apartment myself in the future.” The notice must be given in a timely manner and include all relevant details.

  1. Plan Ahead: Plan your personal use well in advance to ensure you meet the notice periods.
  2. Clear Justification: State your need as specifically as possible to avoid misunderstandings.
  3. Check for Hardship Cases: Find out in advance whether there are any special circumstances that could make an objection by the tenant likely.
  4. Professional Advice: Use the services of my-home.de to obtain legal advice and ensure that the notice of termination is legally sound.

Tips for Tenants: How to Respond to a Termination for Personal Use

  1. Check the Notice Period: Review the notice period to ensure the landlord has followed the correct procedure.
  2. Check for Hardship: If moving would cause you significant hardship, you may be able to file an objection under certain circumstances.
  3. Look for alternatives: Use the remaining time to start looking for a new apartment in a timely manner.
  4. Seek legal advice: Get legal advice to understand your rights as a tenant and, if necessary, to be able to respond in a timely manner.

Recommendations and final notes

Are you a landlord or tenant facing the challenge of a termination for personal use in the Nuremberg, Fürth, Erlangen, Schwabach, or Roth metropolitan area? Get professional advice from experts at my-home.de to ensure you’re on the safe side legally. A clear and legally compliant approach will save you time, stress, and unnecessary disputes.

In conclusion, it can be said that personal use is a legitimate reason for terminating a lease, but it can involve many legal hurdles and pitfalls. Both landlords and tenants should inform themselves early on to understand their own rights and obligations and be able to act accordingly.

Q&A - Personal Use for Real Estate

What does “personal use” mean in the context of real estate?

Personal use means that the landlord wishes to use the rented property for themselves or close relatives. It is one of the few recognized grounds for termination.

Who counts as a family member in the context of personal use?

Family members are generally parents, children, siblings, and, under certain circumstances, grandchildren or nieces and nephews. However, the claim of personal use must be based on specific and verifiable grounds.

How long is the notice period for personal use?

The notice period is at least three months, but can be extended to up to nine months for long-term tenancies.

Can a tenant object to a termination for personal use?

Yes, under certain circumstances, such as in cases of particular hardship (e.g., the tenant’s age or illness), an objection can be filed.

How must a termination for personal use be justified?

The landlord must explain exactly for whom the property is needed and why the need for personal use exists. The reasons must be set forth in writing and in a comprehensible manner.

What happens if the need for personal use is only feigned?

If the need for personal use is only feigned, the tenant may claim damages. This can result in high costs for the landlord.

What rights do tenants have in cases of termination for personal use?

Tenants have the right to review the notice for legal defects, verify the notice period, and file an objection in cases of particular hardship.

What constitutes a case of hardship in a termination for personal use?

A case of hardship exists if the move represents an unreasonable burden for the tenant, for example due to advanced age, illness, or a particularly long tenancy.

Can personal use also be claimed for more distant relatives?

As a rule, personal use must be claimed for close relatives such as parents or children. For more distant relatives, a detailed justification is required.

Use the services of my-home.de for professional advice on termination for personal use in the metropolitan region of Nuremberg, Fürth, Erlangen, Schwabach, and Roth

The services of my-home.de help you clarify the legal aspects of termination for personal use and ensure that your interests are protected.

Use the services of my-home.de to receive professional advice on personal use terminations in the metropolitan region of Nuremberg, Fürth, Erlangen, Schwabach, and Roth and to ensure that your interests are legally protected.

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Content researched and verified by the my-home.de expert network - specialized in real estate sales, valuation, and market analysis in Nuremberg, Fürth, Erlangen, Schwabach, and Roth.

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Note on content

This guide article serves as general information about the real estate market in Nuremberg and the surrounding region. It does not replace individual tax advice, legal advice, or expert valuation in specific cases. For binding information, please contact a tax advisor, attorney, or certified appraiser.

Market data, prices, and statutory provisions may change at short notice. Despite careful research, we assume no liability for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content.
Article as of January 15, 2025

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