What does Kaution mean?
The Kaution (deposit) is money you give the landlord as security. You usually get it back after moving out.
die Kaution · die Kautionen (plural)
The deposit may be at most three months' basic rent. You may usually pay it in three parts.
The landlord must keep the deposit separate from their own money.
After you move out, the landlord may deduct open costs, for example for damage. They pay you the rest, often only after some months.
If you get benefits from the Jobcenter, it can pay the deposit as a loan. Ask before you move.
Example sentence
Die Kaution in Höhe von drei Monatsmieten ist zu Beginn des Mietverhältnisses zu zahlen.
The Kaution of three months' rent must be paid at the start of the tenancy.
What you can do
Take photos of the home when you move in and when you move out. Ask for a handover record (Übergabeprotokoll).
Related words
- Mietvertrag The Mietvertrag (rental contract) is the contract between you and your landlord about your home.
- Vermieter The Vermieter (landlord) is the person or company that owns the home or rents it to you.
- Ratenzahlung Ratenzahlung (payment in instalments) means you pay a debt in smaller amounts, for example part of it every month.
- Nachweis A Nachweis is a document that proves something, for example your income, your rent or your address.