Check Tenant Claims in Germany 2025

Tenants often face questions about claims, housing allowance or repairs. This text explains in clear English when you should check your rights, which laws apply and which official forms exist. I describe in practical terms how to observe deadlines, secure evidence and where to turn if communication with the landlord does not help. The guidance refers to regulations in Germany and names the responsible courts as well as important legal provisions.^[1]

When should tenants check claims?

Check the legal basis immediately in case of: defects in the apartment, unjustified rent increases, payment difficulties or when you receive a notice of termination. Tenancy law in the BGB regulates the duties and rights of the parties, especially §§ 535–580a.^[1] For court actions, the rules of the Code of Civil Procedure apply.^[2]

Important first steps

• Check whether you are entitled to housing allowance or rent subsidy and collect proof of income and the rental contract.^[3]
• Document defects with date, photos and witness statements; send a written defect notice to the landlord.
• Use official forms or templates, e.g. for termination letters or defect notices from the Federal Ministry of Justice as a template.^[4]
• Observe deadlines: respond within the stated periods or you may lose rights.

If the landlord does not respond, inform the competent local court for tenancy disputes or seek legal advice; special procedural rules apply in eviction suits.^[5]

Forms and templates (official)

Important official documents and examples:

• Termination letter (template of the Federal Ministry of Justice) – if you want to terminate or defend against an unjustified termination.^[4]
• Application for housing allowance / WoFG – if the rent is a significant burden; the law governs eligibility requirements.^[3]
• Evidence documents: collect photos, lists of witnesses, payment receipts and handover protocols in an ordered file.

FAQ

Who decides tenancy disputes?

Local courts are usually competent in the first instance; appeals go to regional courts and the Federal Court of Justice handles matters of fundamental legal importance.^[5]

When can I reduce the rent?

You can reduce the rent for significant impairments of use after notifying the landlord and giving them the opportunity to remedy the defect.

How do I apply for housing allowance?

You apply for housing allowance at the competent municipal office with proof of income and your rental contract; the legal basis is in the WoFG.^[3]

How-To

1. Step 1: Document the defect: note date, take photos, describe the problem and list witnesses.
2. Step 2: Send a written defect notice to the landlord and set a deadline for remedy (e.g. 14 days).
3. Step 3: If there is no response, seek legal advice or inform the local court.
4. Step 4: In case of lawsuit: organize documents and observe procedural deadlines; attend appointments.

Help and Support

• Wohngeldgesetz (WoFG)
• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
• Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) – Information

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet – BGB §§535–580a
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet – ZPO
3. [3] Gesetze im Internet – Wohngeldgesetz (WoFG)
4. [4] Federal Ministry of Justice – form templates and guidance
5. [5] Federal Court of Justice – information on courts and case law