How many months' rent does the deposit usually equal?

Kaution (deposit) is, according to German law, a maximum of 3 months' Kaltmiete (cold rent) — BGB §551.

#Practical Examples

#Payment Method

• One-time: Most landlords prefer this.
• In 3 installments: This is your legal right; the landlord cannot refuse. The first installment is with the contract signing, the remaining in the next 2 months.
• Mietkautionskonto: Deposited into a separate account, returned upon moving out. The landlord opens it, not you.

#Refund upon Moving Out

• It is refunded within 3-6 months after the apartment is handed over.
• The landlord uses this period after waiting for utility deductions.
• If there is damage/cleaning needed, it is deducted from the Kaution.

#Studierendenwerk Dormitory

For state dormitories, the Kaution is a fixed 350-600 € (regardless of rent).

#Important

• Do not pay Kaution Schwarz (cash, unregistered) — you lose your refund guarantee, and there's a tax audit risk.
• Some landlords accept a Bürgschaft (guarantee) instead of Kaution (especially in WGs) — guarantor question.