Rental contract lost – What to do?
A lost rental contract can cause uncertainty, especially when important information on the rental period, notice periods, or additional costs is needed. Since the rental contract forms the legal basis of the tenancy, it is important to clarify the loss quickly and find a solution.
Determine the loss of the rental contract
Often a rental contract is not actually lost, but only misplaced. Therefore, first check whether the document is still in files, folders, emails, or digital archives. Many rental contracts are now also sent electronically.
Contact the landlord or property management
If the rental contract cannot be found, the landlord or property management should be contacted. In most cases, they have a copy of the contract. Tenants generally have the right to inspect it or request a copy.
Observe the legal situation
Even if the rental contract is no longer available, the tenancy remains valid. The essential terms then result from the statutory provisions as well as the actually agreed and lived circumstances. Nevertheless, it is sensible to obtain the contract again in order to have clarity.
Search for or report rental contract online
In rare cases, a rental contract can be lost outside one’s own apartment, for example during a move or transport. In the online lost-and-found office Suchen Expert, lost documents can be reported. If your rental contract has been lost, you can create a listing there and specify the possible place of loss and the date.
A lost rental contract is in most cases not a permanent problem, since copies are available from the landlord. By acting quickly and, if necessary, placing a listing in the online lost-and-found office Suchen Expert, the situation can usually be clarified quickly.
