Rejection Despite Good Credit: Tenant Rights in Germany

If a landlord rejects your rental application even though your creditworthiness is verifiable, tenants in Germany have concrete rights. A rejection can be factually justified or unlawfully discriminatory; deadlines, evidence and the correct response are important. Document all messages and documents, request written reasons and check for possible discrimination (e.g. because of family, origin or disability). Often a formal objection or a written inquiry helps before you consider legal action. This page explains how to respond within deadlines, which forms and evidence are useful, when the local court is responsible and which public bodies can support you. Read the practical steps below.

What to do after a rejection despite good credit?

If a landlord rejects your application despite clear creditworthiness, proceed systematically. Request reasons in writing and document all messages, documents and conversations. Check whether discrimination is present (e.g. due to origin, family or disability) and note suspicious statements. Provide your credit proofs, income statements and references so you can prove that the rejection is not factually justified if necessary.^[1]

Deadlines and legal steps

Act early: some claims expire or are subject to deadlines. A formal objection or an informal letter can often provide clarity. If an amicable resolution fails, a lawsuit may follow before the competent local court; the procedure is governed by the ZPO.^[2]

Forms and evidence

Which documents are important:

• Proof of creditworthiness (e.g. SCHUFA printout or payslips).
• Correspondence with the landlord and application documents.
• Witness statements or references from previous landlords.
• An informal objection letter or template letters for the file.

What the local court and the BGH say

Many principles in tenancy law are regulated in the BGB; relevant paragraphs concern the landlord's duties and the tenant's rights.^[1] In legal disputes, the local court is usually competent in the first instance; higher instances such as the regional court or the Federal Court of Justice decide legal questions of fundamental importance.^[2]

FAQ

Why was I rejected even though my credit is fine?

There may be factual reasons but also unfounded or discriminatory motives. Request a written explanation and collect evidence.

What deadlines should I observe?

There is no uniform deadline for a reply, but legal action and evidence preservation should be taken promptly; proceedings are subject to deadlines under the ZPO.^[2]

Can I sue over a discriminatory rejection?

Yes. If discrimination is present, you can consider legal action and sue at the local court; evidence and witnesses are helpful.^[3]

How-To

1. Document all contacts and documents immediately.
2. Request a written explanation from the landlord.
3. Send a formal objection if necessary and collect evidence.
4. Contact advisory services or tenant counseling for support.
5. Consider suing at the competent local court if all other steps fail.^[2]

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB §§ 535–580a — Gesetze im Internet
• ZPO — Zivilprozessordnung
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH)

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1. [1] German Civil Code (BGB) — §§ 535–580a
2. [2] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO)
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — tenancy law decisions