First Consultation for Tenants in Germany: WG Tips
If you as a shared flat in Germany prepare a first consultation on tenancy law, a structured checklist helps save time and present the most important information clearly. This guide explains which documents tenants should collect, how to document defects, which questions to ask the legal advisor and how to meet deadlines. It is aimed at residents of shared households faced with operating costs, termination, rent reduction or heating problems. Practical examples and references to official forms make the conversation with tenant associations and advisory centers easier. In the end you have a step-by-step preparation so that the first consultation in Germany runs efficiently and your rights are more enforceable. For emergencies the guide also contains quick action steps.
Preparation in 5 Steps
Important Documents
- Document: tenancy agreement and all addenda (document).
- Operating costs: statements, meter readings and payment receipts (rent).
- Photos and dating of defects (photo).
- Correspondence with the landlord, e‑mails and SMS (document).
- Overview of dates and deadlines, e.g. defect notification date (deadline).
Questions for the First Consultation
- Check forms: is there already a termination letter or response template (form)?
- Evidence question: which photos, videos or witnesses exist (photo)?
- Deadlines: by when must a defect notice be answered (deadline)?
- Contact: who represents the flat in meetings with the landlord (call)?
What to Do for Acute Defects?
Under tenancy law, landlords are obliged to maintain and repair the rental property; relevant provisions are found in §§ 535–580a BGB.[1] It is important to notify defects in writing, take photos and set deadlines. If a repair is urgent, document phone calls and tradespeople appointments.
- Send a written defect notice and record the date (notice).
- Create photos with timestamps and save them (photo).
- Save payment receipts and meter readings if operating costs are affected (document).
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which documents do I need for the first consultation?
- Bring the tenancy agreement, the latest operating costs statement, payment receipts, photos of defects and prior correspondence.
- Does the whole shared flat have to attend the consultation?
- No, an authorized representative can attend for the flat, but it is best to bring powers of attorney and minutes.
- What happens in an eviction lawsuit?
- The local court (Amtsgericht) decides on court matters; civil procedure law (ZPO) governs procedures and deadlines.[2]
How-To
- Collect all documents and make a list of visible defects (document).
- Formulate the key questions for the first consultation and note deadlines (form).
- Arrange an appointment with an advisory center or tenant association and send the list in advance (call).
- If a legal dispute arises, clarify the local court's jurisdiction and gather evidence for submission (court).
Help and Support / Resources
- Civil Code (BGB) §535 ff. – Gesetze im Internet
- Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – official site
- Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection (BMJ)
