My child is moving out

Free and independent at last: At the start of their training or studies, many young people look forward to their first home of their own. The decision to leave the parental home also means new responsibilities. The child moves out: We provide important tips.

Darauf sollten Sie achten, wenn ihr Kind auszieht.© iStock
You should pay attention to this when your child moves out.

The landlord requires a guarantee, what does that mean?

With a rent guarantee, parents are liable for their children if, for example, they can no longer pay the rent or cause damage to the apartment. The bill then usually goes directly to the parents. Incidentally, the landlord may not demand a deposit in addition to the guarantee.

Does my child have to re-register after moving out?

Yes, there is a general obligation to register in Germany. This means that the child moves out and should then register with the relevant authorities within one week. Failure to do so may result in a fine or warning.

Parents' liability insurance - does it still apply?

It is independent of the place of residence and continues to apply to the adult child even after the move if they are unmarried, still at school or in their first vocational training such as studies or an apprenticeship. Depending on the contract, cover usually ends when the child reaches the age of 25.

Does my child need health insurance?

With statutory health insurance, they can usually use their parents' family insurance until their 25th birthday, provided they do not earn more than 450 euros for a mini-job. If they want to take out private insurance, they can apply to be exempted from compulsory insurance with the statutory health insurance funds.

Household contents insurance - is it necessary to take out insurance?

Household contents insurance is not compulsory, but it is definitely helpful. Everyone who wants to move into an apartment on their own must consider this for themselves. If there is a joint tenancy agreement in a shared flat, one of the flatmates has usually already taken out household contents insurance that covers everyone.

How useful is occupational disability insurance?

It can be worth taking out insurance at a young age. If the child moves out and starts their first vocational training as a student or trainee, they are usually healthy and any premiums are therefore low. Advice from the consumer advice center can help with the decision.

Does my child have to make a tax return?

It is only compulsory for students and trainees in exceptional cases, for example if they are self-employed and their earnings exceed the annual basic tax-free allowance. Nevertheless, a tax return can be worthwhile, namely if wage tax has been paid for a job. This part can then be reclaimed.

Child moves out: How much maintenance, child benefit, BAföG?

Parents are alsoliable to pay maintenance for adult children. As a rule, the entitlement ceases with the completion of vocational training. The amount depends on the type of education and whether the child lives with one parent. For students who have moved out, it is currently 735 euros.

Child benefit continues to be paid as long as the child is in a training relationship and is not older than 25. Military or civilian service pushes the limit back by the respective time.

Whether and how much BAföG a child is entitled to depends on the individual case. BAföG offices and student services at universities can help.