FAQ for Tenants – You received a payment request ("Mahnschreiben")

Short version:
This is a formal reminder about unpaid rent or related charges. It gives you a deadline to pay. If you ignore it, court action may follow (rent claim and eviction).

Important:
The German letter you received is decisive. The information below is general and not legal advice.

What should I do now?

  1. Read the letter carefully and note the deadline and total amount.
  2. If you can pay in full, transfer the amount in time so that it arrives before the deadline. Use the IBAN shown in your letter respectively the attached "Zahlungsinformation" (payment information) and include the reference/case number in the payment reference. Do not use any other bank details for this payment.
  3. If you already paid, send proof of payment (bank slip or screenshot) so we can verify and stop further steps.
  4. If you disagree with the amount, write to us briefly and attach documents (e.g., account statements, payment slips).

How to pay correctly

  • Amount: See the total stated in your letter.
  • Bank account (IBAN): Use exactly the IBAN printed in your letter (escrow account) respectively use the QR-Code in the attached "Zahlungsinformation" (payment information).
  • Reference: Include the reference/case number from the letter.
  • Timing: Transfers must arrive before the deadline (not just be initiated).
  • No cash payments at the law office. We do not accept cash payments. All payments must be made via bank transfer.

I already paid – what now?

Please email your payment confirmation (PDF/JPG/PNG) and your case reference. If you paid only a part, tell us when you will pay the rest. This helps avoid unnecessary court costs.

I cannot pay everything at once

Contact us before the deadline. In some cases, an early return of the apartment may be possible. Approval is not guaranteed and depends on the landlord’s decision. Please note that an extension of the payment deadline or payment in installments is generally not possible.

What happens if I ignore the letter?

Court proceedings will be started for rent and eviction. This will lead to additional costs for you. Acting early usually reduces costs and helps find a solution.

Contact

Email: office@sabadello.legal
Phone: +43 1 99 71 037
We accept messages in English (and will try to accommodate other languages where possible).
Imprint & Data protection: Please see our imprint for further information including our privacy policy.

Disclaimer

This page provides general information only and does not replace the German letter you received or legal advice. In case of discrepancies, the German letter is decisive.