Guides / Shared flats & subletting
Shared flats & subletting
Subletting, finding a successor tenant and life in a shared flat (WG).
In a WG (flatshare), tenancy law meets everyday life: who is liable for the rent (usually everyone jointly, § 421 BGB), how are the Nebenkosten split fairly, and when may a room be sublet (§ 553 BGB)? The answers depend heavily on how the lease is constructed.
These guides sort out the contract models, the cost split and subletting – so a flatmate moving out doesn't turn into a dispute.
Guides for landlords
Guides for tenants
- WG: splitting rent and Nebenkosten fairly (2026)
Splitting rent and Nebenkosten in a WG: joint liability (§ 421 BGB), internal settlement (§ 426 BGB) and fair keys, per head, per m² or by use.
- Taking In a Subtenant: Getting Permission (2026)
Taking in a subtenant: for part of your flat you have a right to permission (§ 553 BGB). How to request it, and when the landlord may refuse.
- Shared flat and subletting: when can I sublet? (2026)
When tenants may sublet: § 553 BGB gives a claim to permission for part of the dwelling. How to handle a WG (shared flat) and Untermiete (subletting) correctly.
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