Check Tenant Claims in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, you should know how to properly check claims such as housing allowance, rent reduction or coverage of repair costs. This text explains step by step which rights and obligations apply under tenancy law, which deadlines are important and which official forms or courts may be involved. The language is deliberately simple so you can prepare decisions, document damages and submit required letters on time. Examples show how to approach a problem in a structured way and when to seek help from a local court or advisory service.

What tenants should check first

First check whether your concern falls under landlord or tenant responsibilities. Core rules for tenancy are found in the German Civil Code (BGB).^[1] For questions about financial subsidies, housing allowance law applies.^[2]

Concrete checkpoints

• Check whether a defect impairs usability (e.g. heating, mold).
• Collect evidence: photos, emails, defect reports and invoices.
• Pay attention to deadlines for defect notifications and objections.
• Use official forms or sample letters when available.

Forms and official steps

Important forms and formalities tenants should know:

• Housing allowance application (Wohngeld): apply at the responsible housing office if your income qualifies for subsidies; example: submit standard documents and meet deadlines.^[2]
• Certificate of entitlement to housing (WBS): grants access to subsidized housing; apply at your city or municipality if you meet the requirements.
• Sample termination letter: use verified templates for a properly formatted termination or objection; submit these with proof of delivery.

In disputes that cannot be resolved amicably, the local court (Amtsgericht) is often competent; appeals go to the regional court or the Federal Court of Justice.^[3]

How to check a rent reduction

A rent reduction is possible when the apartment’s usability is restricted. Procedure:

• Describe the defect precisely and document the time and extent.
• Notify the landlord in writing and request remedy within a reasonable period.
• If no remedy occurs, assess the reduction amount based on comparable rulings or advice.

FAQ

Who pays for repairs?

The landlord is generally responsible for maintenance, unless contractually agreed otherwise or if the tenant caused the damage.

When can I reduce the rent?

For significant impairments of use, after the landlord has been informed of the defect and no reasonable remedy has been made.

Which court do I contact for eviction?

Eviction claims and similar tenancy disputes are usually heard in the first instance at the local court (Amtsgericht).

How-To

1. Describe and document the defect immediately (date, photos, witnesses).
2. Notify the landlord in writing and set a reasonable deadline for remedy.
3. Save all evidence, answer questions and keep copies of all correspondence.
4. If no solution is possible, prepare a lawsuit or obtain legal advice and file documents with the local court if necessary.

Help and Support / Resources

• Wohngeld law (WoFG) - Gesetze im Internet
• BGB §535 ff. – Tenancy law (Gesetze im Internet)
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – Information and rulings

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet – BGB §§535–580a
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet – Wohngeldgesetz (WoFG)
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof – Information and case law