First Consultation for Renters in Germany

As a renter in Germany, good preparation for the first consultation is often decisive. In big cities, advisory centers and tenants' associations are busy; with clear documents you save time and improve the consultation. Bring the lease agreement, utility bills, correspondence with the landlord, photos of defects and a list of important dates. Briefly describe your concern: rent reduction, termination, repairs or utility cost disputes. Note questions and desired goals, for example refund of the deposit or extension of deadlines. This structure helps advisors give a quick assessment and suggest concrete next steps. Below you will find checklists, official forms and tips on how to present files in order. Use these tips practically.

Preparation for the First Consultation

A structured folder makes the consultation easier. Sort documents chronologically and write short notes for each item.

• Lease agreement (all pages and annexes)
• Utility bills and payment receipts
• Correspondence with landlord, property management or craftsmen
• Photos or videos of defects, with dates
• Chronology of important dates and deadlines
• Proof of deposit payments and rent payments
• Contact details of witnesses or contacts

Course of the First Consultation

The first consultation usually aims at a quick legal assessment and recommendations for action. Prepare a short case description and state your desired outcome.

• Short case description: What is the problem and since when?
• Review of the submitted documents by the advisors
• Legal classification: rent reduction, protection against termination, repairs
• Concrete next steps: letters, deadlines, if necessary court action

Important Forms and Legal Bases

Many rental law issues are governed by the provisions of the Civil Code (BGB) §§ 535–580a^[1]. Procedural questions on lawsuits and deadlines are governed by the Civil Procedure Code (ZPO)^[2]. Relevant rulings can be found at the Federal Court of Justice (BGH)^[3].

There is no mandatory nationwide standard form for all tenancy-related letters. For consultations, the following documents can be important:

• Application for legal consultation assistance (Beratungshilfe) – available from the competent local court
• Sample termination letter (no official template but useful as a draft: date, recipient, clear declaration)
• Evidence folders with photos, invoices and correspondence

Example of a short termination wording (as an example): "I hereby terminate the lease dated [date] at the next possible date." Use a personal signature and send letters in a verifiable way when in doubt.

FAQ

What should I bring to the first consultation?

Bring the lease agreement, the latest utility bill, payment receipts, correspondence, photos of defects and a short chronology of events.

How much does a first consultation cost?

Many tenants' associations offer reduced-fee consultations; municipal advice centers or social counseling can be free. If needed, there is legal consultation assistance via the local court.

How quickly must I react to deadlines?

Deadlines can be decisive. Try to act within the stated deadlines and note dates so you can act promptly.

How-To

1. Collect documents: assemble lease, utility bills, correspondence and receipts.
2. Create a chronology: note the chronological order of events including dates and deadlines.
3. Write a question list: extract the most important questions for the consultation.
4. Make an appointment: contact tenants' association, advisory center or lawyer and state the reason.
5. Prepare documents: make copies and, if applicable, bring the legal consultation assistance application.

Help and Support

• BGB (Civil Code) – texts on tenancy law
• ZPO (Civil Procedure Code) – procedural rules
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – decisions

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet – Civil Code (BGB)
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet – Civil Procedure Code (ZPO)
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – decisions and publications