Mehrmieterschaft

Mehrmieterschaft refers to a tenancy in which several tenants share a dwelling under a single lease or closely linked tenancy agreements. It is commonly used in German-speaking countries among roommates or co-occupants who want to rent together. The central feature is that all named tenants collectively hold the tenancy against the landlord and are usually liable as a group for rent and other contractual obligations.

In most systems, co-tenants are jointly and severally liable to the landlord. This means the landlord may demand the full rent from any one tenant, while the other tenants can seek internal reimbursement or recourse under an internal agreement. The arrangement typically specifies how rent, utilities, and upkeep are shared, how decisions about the property are made, and what happens if a tenant fails to meet obligations. The internal relationship, or Innenverhältnis, governs these arrangements and can affect how costs are divided and how disputes are resolved.

Rights and duties include the right to occupy the dwelling and the obligation to maintain it and comply with house rules. Subletting, notice periods, and termination depend on the terms of the tenancy and local law. If a tenant leaves, the remaining tenants may be required to cover the vacancy or the landlord may require a replacement tenant, often with consent or under a revised lease agreement.

The legal treatment and terminology of Mehrmieterschaft vary by jurisdiction, with common references to co-tenants or Mietgemeinschaft. The concept is relevant for tenancy law, housing policy, and dispute resolution, and its precise provisions differ between countries and regions.