Appeal WG Rejection for Tenants in Germany
As a tenant in Germany, a rejection when applying for a shared flat (WG) can be surprising and stressful. This article clearly explains how to prepare an appeal against such a decision, which deadlines to observe and which documents improve your chances. We also cover when housing benefit or rent subsidies may be relevant and what steps to take to document and communicate with landlords or authorities. The goal is to give practical steps so you meet deadlines, avoid formal mistakes and, if necessary, consider judicial remedies. The guidance is written for tenants without legal training. Read on for concrete sample wordings, a checklist of evidence and tips on involving the local court.
What to do when a WG rejection arrives?
First check whether the rejection was justified and whether there are formal errors. Tenant rights and landlord duties are regulated in the Civil Code. If a rejection notice is a formal administrative decision or affects tenancy claims, deadlines and formalities can be important.[1]
- Collect documents: tenancy contract, application emails, photos, payment receipts and contacts.
- Check deadlines: determine by when an appeal or response is possible.
- Draft the appeal: date, sender, exact designation of the decision, reasoning and signature.
Forms and templates
There is no nationwide standardized appeal form specifically for WG rejections; in practice a written appeal with reasons and evidence is sufficient. For housing benefit there are formal application forms which you should obtain from your local housing benefit office. If you miss formal deadlines or the situation is complex, court action may become necessary; procedural rules of the ZPO then apply.[2]
- Appeal statement: name, address, identify the decision, briefly state reasons and include attachments.
- Preserve deadlines: submit appeal by registered mail or in person with confirmation of receipt.
- Contact authorities: inform the housing benefit office or landlord in writing and attach copies.
If the landlord or authority does not respond to the appeal, consider litigation or interim relief; relevant decisions by the Federal Court may apply.[3]
Guide: When to involve courts?
Only if out-of-court steps do not resolve the issue or deadlines expire is it appropriate to go to the local court. Tenancy disputes are typically heard first at the Amtsgericht, with higher appeals at the Landgericht and Bundesgerichtshof.
FAQ
- Can I appeal a WG rejection?
- Yes. Submit a written, reasoned appeal, gather evidence and send the statement by registered mail or deliver it in person.
- What is the deadline for an appeal?
- Exact deadlines depend on the notice; check the rejection notice and contact the responsible authority immediately to avoid missing any deadline.
- When should I go to the local court?
- If appeals and informal negotiations fail or legal claims must be enforced, a lawsuit at the local court may follow.
How-To
- Collect all relevant documents: tenancy contract, messages, payment receipts and photos.
- Check deadlines and note the date of the decision to meet appeal deadlines.
- Draft the appeal: subject, date, reasoning, signature and list of attachments.
- Send the appeal by registered mail or deliver it personally and keep a copy.
- If necessary: contact the local court about possible litigation and observe the formal ZPO requirements.
