Reporting Changes as a Tenant in Germany
As a tenant in Germany, changes such as address, income, or household composition are important for your rights, housing allocation and possible housing allowance claims. This practical guide explains in clear language when you must inform your landlord or authorities, which deadlines apply and which official forms to use. You will find practical examples, templates and tips on documentation and submitting evidence. The aim is to reduce uncertainty, avoid formal mistakes and strengthen your protection as a tenant. The guide is particularly helpful for single parents because changes can quickly affect housing subsidies, a WBS or social benefits. Read on for step-by-step instructions, sample wording and links to official authority forms, plus tips on meeting deadlines and organizing evidence.
What to report
Not every change has the same legal effect, but many can affect your rent, subsidies or obligations. Typical notifications include:
- Address change: registration/re-registration at the residents' registration office and informing the landlord with a short notice and the new address.
- Income change: important notification for housing allowance or social benefits; provide gross and net changes.
- Changes in rent payments or deposit matters: report new bank details or changed payment methods.
- Defects and repairs: report promptly, document and set deadlines for remediation.
- Change in household size: relevant for housing subsidies, WBS and utility billing.
When to notify: deadlines and formalities
As a rule: inform landlord and responsible authorities as soon as possible after a relevant change. For terminations, rent increases and formal objections, statutory deadlines under the BGB and the ZPO apply.[1][2] For applications for housing allowance or a WBS, you should report changes immediately as entitlements can change retroactively.[3]
Practical tips
- Deadlines: note the receipt date and deadline for each notification.
- Evidence: photograph documents, scan notices and keep copies ready.
- Forms: use official application forms when available instead of informal emails.
How to notify: step by step
To the landlord
For changes affecting the tenancy, inform the landlord in writing and request a short confirmation of receipt. Example: "I hereby notify the change of my address as of 01.05.2025. New address: ...".
To authorities (housing allowance, WBS, registration office)
Use the official application forms for housing allowance and WBS and submit evidence (pay slips, tenancy agreement, ID). If unsure, contact the responsible office by phone or email.
FAQ
- Do I have to notify the landlord of every address change?
- Yes, inform the landlord promptly in writing of your new address so that deliveries and billing are correct.
- What deadlines apply for reporting income changes?
- Deadlines vary depending on the benefit (e.g. housing allowance); report changes immediately to avoid reclaiming of benefits.
- Which official forms do I need?
- Housing allowance application, application for a housing entitlement certificate (WBS) and the registration/re-registration forms of the registration office are the most important forms; use the forms of your municipality.
How-To
- Check which change has occurred and which office is responsible (landlord, registration office, housing allowance office).
- Gather evidence: tenancy agreement, pay slips, ID copy and receipts.
- Obtain the official form from your authority online or in person.
- Complete the form fully, sign and date it.
- Submit the documents and request a confirmation of receipt.
- Keep copies of all documents and the confirmation for at least two years.
