Hardship Objection 2025: Tenant Documents Germany

As a tenant in Germany you should know which documents and deadlines are relevant for a hardship objection in 2025. A hardship objection is an application where you claim social or hardship circumstances to prevent or mitigate an eviction or cost allocation. This article explains in plain language which proofs (pay slips, official notices, medical certificates) are necessary, which deadlines must be met and which forms local court or municipal offices require. I show practical steps for collecting evidence, calculating deadlines and sending papers by registered mail. At the end you will find official authority links and sample forms from government sources.

What is a hardship objection?

The hardship objection aims to claim special personal or financial hardships when landlords issue an eviction or allocate modernization costs. It is based on tenancy law in the German Civil Code (BGB) and can affect the validity of an eviction or cost allocation.^[1]

Which documents do I need?

• Income proofs (pay slips, payment) to show your financial situation
• Benefit notices (e.g. unemployment benefits, evidence) as proof of state support
• Medical certificates or reports (health, medical) to confirm health limitations
• Tenancy agreement and billing statements (document) to show contractual rules
• Correspondence with the landlord (emails, letters, photos/evidence) as records

Deadlines and forms

Act quickly: many objections must be reasoned or filed with the court within short deadlines. Civil procedure rules set how lawsuits, responses or applications must be filed; observe the procedural deadlines and form requirements.^[2] Official templates or guidance on forms are available from federal authorities and courts.^[3]

Practical example

Example: You receive a notice of termination due to modernization. Immediately collect income proofs and medical certificates, note deadlines (deadline) and send a reasoned letter by registered mail to the landlord. If necessary, file a response with the competent local court within the given deadline.

FAQ

Can I file a hardship objection against a termination for modernization?

Yes. A hardship objection is possible if the termination causes an unreasonable hardship; submit income proofs and medical certificates to support your claim.

Which deadlines apply to the hardship objection?

Deadlines depend on the case: responses to terminations and court replies usually must be filed within weeks; check deadlines immediately and act promptly.

Which proofs are most important?

Important documents include pay slips, notices of benefits, medical certificates, the tenancy agreement and correspondence with the landlord.

How-To

1. Check the deadline (deadline): determine the set or court deadline and note the date
2. Collect proofs (payment): gather pay slips, notices and bank statements
3. Write your objection (form): justify the hardship in writing and attach evidence
4. Send and document (contact): send documents by registered mail and keep the dispatch receipt
5. Inform the court if needed (court): file a response with the competent local court

Help and Support / Resources

• Forms (form): Federal Ministry of Justice
• Laws: Civil Code (BGB) §535 ff.
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – Case law

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §535–§580a
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) – Procedural rules
3. [3] Federal Ministry of Justice – Forms and guidance
4. [4] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – Decisions