Template: payment reminder / dunning notice

Chase overdue rent or service-charge claims in a structured, default-proof way.

The dunning notice asks a defaulting payer to settle a due claim. It documents the payment default and is the basis for default interest and further steps. Where the due date is fixed by the calendar, default arises even without a reminder (§ 286 BGB).

How the template is structured

1

Recipient and matter

  • Name and address of the debtor
  • Reference: rent, service charge or operating-cost balance
  • Contract or property reference
2

Outstanding claim

  • Amount and due date
  • Period concerned
  • Partial payments already made
3

Request for payment

  • New payment deadline with a concrete date
  • Bank details and payment reference
4

Consequences of default

  • Default interest under § 288 BGB
  • Dunning costs, where permissible as default damage
  • Notice of further legal steps

Legal framework

  • § 286 BGB — default; where performance is fixed by the calendar, default arises even without a reminder.
  • § 288 BGB — default interest (five percentage points above the base rate for consumers).
  • For rent arrears of more than two months' rent, termination without notice is possible (§ 543, § 569 BGB).
  • Dunning costs are only recoverable as actually incurred default damage — flat fantasy amounts are not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

Is a reminder needed for default to arise?+

Not always. If performance is fixed by the calendar (e.g. rent by the third working day), default arises even without a reminder (§ 286 (2) BGB).

How many reminders are required?+

The law does not prescribe a specific number. One reminder is enough; in practice, staged reminders are common.

What default interest may I charge?+

Towards consumers, five percentage points above the base rate (§ 288 (1) BGB).

When may I terminate for rent arrears?+

For arrears of more than two months' rent, termination without notice is possible (§ 543 (2), § 569 (3) BGB).

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This template is a non-binding guide and does not constitute legal or tax advice.