> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.immodio.app/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.immodio.app/en-start/knowledge-group/terminate-a-tenancy/shorten-the-notice-period.md).

# Shorten the notice period

This page explains whether and how a shorter notice period can be agreed for tenants.

For residential tenancies, the statutory notice period in § 573c(1) BGB generally applies. A tenant can give notice by the third working day of a calendar month, effective at the end of the following-but-one month. In practice, this is generally around three months.

In special cases, reducing the statutory notice period can be practical. For shared accommodation, for example, a shorter notice period can give tenants greater flexibility.

Shortening the period for the tenant’s benefit is generally possible. Do **not** shorten the landlord’s notice period. It may disadvantage the tenant and is generally ineffective.

The Immodio tenancy agreement generally refers to this statutory notice period.

#### Can a shorter notice period be agreed for the tenant?

Yes. You can generally reduce the notice period contractually for the tenant’s benefit.

Shared-accommodation tenants often need flexibility because living situations, studies, training, or professional plans can change at short notice. The tenancy agreement can therefore individually allow a tenant to give notice with a shorter period.

A possible wording, which has not been conclusively legally reviewed, is:

> Contrary to § 573c(1) BGB, the tenant may give notice by the third working day of a month, effective at the end of that same month.

This lets the tenant terminate at the end of the current month, rather than only at the end of the following-but-one month, if notice arrives by the third working day. For a legally secure agreement, Immodio recommends legal advice from a specialist lawyer.

#### Can the landlord have a shorter notice period?

No. Do not agree a shorter ordinary notice period for the landlord.

Under § 573c(4) BGB, agreements that depart from statutory notice periods to the tenant’s detriment are ineffective. A shorter landlord notice period disadvantages the tenant and is generally impermissible.

Only reduce the notice period for the tenant’s benefit.

#### Where can this be set in Immodio?

Add the shorter notice period as an individual agreement in the tenancy agreement.

In the tenancy agreement assistant, open [Additional agreements](/en-start/guides-group/tenancies/create-a-tenancy-agreement/additional-agreements.md). Under **Individual agreements**, add the required wording.

> *Contrary to § 573c(1) BGB, the tenant may give notice by the third working day of a month, effective at the end of that same month.*

For a legally secure agreement, Immodio recommends legal advice from a specialist lawyer. Ensure the wording applies only to tenant termination. It must not shorten the landlord’s notice period.

#### Alternative — agree a replacement-tenant arrangement

You can additionally or alternatively agree that the tenant may leave early if they provide a suitable replacement tenant.

> *If the tenant provides a suitable and reasonable replacement tenant who is willing to take over the tenancy unchanged, the landlord will release the tenant early from the existing tenancy when the new tenancy agreement is concluded.*

A replacement tenant is suitable where they are economically and personally reasonable for the landlord. For a legally secure agreement, Immodio recommends legal advice from a specialist lawyer.

#### Alternative — termination agreement

Regardless of statutory or contractually agreed notice periods, landlords and tenants can agree a termination agreement at any time.

The agreement can state that the tenancy ends earlier. This allows a flexible solution for each case. Find suggested wording in Immodio under [Templates](/en-start/guides-group/templates.md).