QI’ve heard lately that many landlords aren’t refunding the deposits for servicemembers moving back to the States. What are the rules regarding return of the deposit and what should be done if I am having trouble getting my deposit back?
A This question is a common concern for many who rent off base. At present, there are close to 10,000 rental contracts in the KMC, and returns on deposit are at approximately 99.5 percent.
This is not bad, but there are a small number of cases where a landlord does not return the deposit. When this occurs, the Housing Referral Office can assist as you mediate with the landlord. If this doesn’t work, however, the issue must be handled through the German legal system, and the renter is responsible for initiating the appeal.
Keep in mind that landlords may hold your deposit for a reasonable time of up to six months after you vacate your rental if there is an open claim, like unpaid utilities or damages found in the rental. In situations like this, a friend or coworker can represent you. To help protect yourself, consider using a joint bank account with your landlord for the deposit. Furthermore, you can join the local Tenant Protection Agency which offers legal assistance and representation in court for a small annual membership fee.
The Commander’s Action Line gives KMC members a direct link to wing leadership. The action line is a way for KMC members to ask a question or express a concern on the policies and procedures of the base, as well as discuss safety and security issues. To submit an action line, e-mail editor@kaiserslauternamerican.com with “Action Line” as the subject.
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QI’ve heard lately that many landlords aren’t refunding the deposits for servicemembers moving back to the States. What are the rules regarding return of the deposit and what should be done if I am having trouble getting my deposit back?
A This question is a common concern for many who rent off base. At present, there are close to 10,000 rental contracts in the KMC, and returns on deposit are at approximately 99.5 percent.
This is not bad, but there are a small number of cases where a landlord does not return the deposit. When this occurs, the Housing Referral Office can assist as you mediate with the landlord. If this doesn’t work, however, the issue must be handled through the German legal system, and the renter is responsible for initiating the appeal.
Keep in mind that landlords may hold your deposit for a reasonable time of up to six months after you vacate your rental if there is an open claim, like unpaid utilities or damages found in the rental. In situations like this, a friend or coworker can represent you. To help protect yourself, consider using a joint bank account with your landlord for the deposit. Furthermore, you can join the local Tenant Protection Agency which offers legal assistance and representation in court for a small annual membership fee.
The Commander’s Action Line gives KMC members a direct link to wing leadership. The action line is a way for KMC members to ask a question or express a concern on the policies and procedures of the base, as well as discuss safety and security issues. To submit an action line, e-mail editor@kaiserslauternamerican.com with “Action Line” as the subject.