Apply for Legal Aid as a Tenant in Germany

As a tenant in a large city in Germany, legal disputes can quickly become expensive. If you face eviction, rent reduction disputes or disagreements about utility costs, legal aid (Prozesskostenhilfe, PKH) can provide the financial support needed to assert your rights in court. Complete documentation is crucial for a successful application: proof of income, the tenancy agreement, correspondence with the landlord, and receipts for costs or defects. This article explains in plain language which forms are required, how to observe deadlines, which local court (Amtsgericht) is responsible, and how a sample application is structured. At the end you will find concrete action steps, official form links and guidance on when tenant association advice is helpful.

What is legal aid (Prozesskostenhilfe)?

Legal aid (PKH) enables people with limited financial means to access the courts by having attorney and court costs fully or partially covered. In tenancy disputes, PKH can be requested for proceedings such as termination, rent reduction or eviction. Official information and forms are provided by the relevant federal offices and ministries.^[3]

Who is eligible?

Eligibility requires meeting the necessary financial conditions and demonstrating reasonable prospects of success for the intended legal action. For tenancy claims, the provisions of the German Civil Code (Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch, BGB) on tenant and landlord rights and the procedural rules in the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) also apply.^{[1] [2]}

Which documents do you need?

• Proofs of income, payslips, bank statements (rent/payments).
• Completed application for legal aid (form).
• Tenancy agreement and correspondence with the landlord (document/evidence).
• Photos and documentation of defects and repair requests (repair).
• Notices, reminders or eviction letters (court/eviction).

How do you submit the application?

File the legal aid application at the competent local court (Amtsgericht). Fill out the PKH form completely, attach the required proofs and briefly state your claim. The court will then examine means and prospects of success and issue a grant or rejection decision.

FAQ

How long does the decision on PKH take?

Processing usually takes several weeks; in urgent cases it can be faster.

What happens if the application is rejected?

You will receive a rejection decision and may appeal within the deadline; check deadlines and reasons.

Do I have to repay the legal costs?

If your financial situation changes or you win and cost allocation is ordered, repayment obligations can arise; check the decision carefully.

How-To

1. Download the form and fill it out completely (form).
2. Scan or copy all documents and compile them in the correct order (document/evidence).
3. Submit the application to the competent local court by hand or by post (court/submit).
4. Observe deadlines and respond promptly to any court queries (deadline).

Help and Support

• §§ 535–580a BGB — Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch
• Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
• BMJV: Prozesskostenhilfe

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1. [1] §§ 535–580a BGB — Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
3. [3] BMJV: Prozesskostenhilfe - Formulare und Hinweise