Initial Advice for Tenants in Germany 2025

As a tenant in Germany, a well-prepared initial consultation can be decisive to know the right steps for defects in the apartment, termination, or notices of modernization. This guide shows in practical terms which documents, deadlines and evidence you should collect, how to use template forms and which authorities or courts are responsible. The aim is that you can use the consultation efficiently even without a lawyer and secure important rights in tenancy law. I explain in plain language when rent reduction is possible, which evidence helps and how to prepare a complaint or lawsuit. At the end you will find a checklist, official forms and further authority contacts for quick help. Read the notes on deadlines, forms and court jurisdiction carefully to avoid costly mistakes.

Preparing the initial consultation

Before you attend the initial consultation, collect all relevant documents and make a short timeline of events. Arrange documents chronologically and mark the key points so the consultation can be targeted.

• Lease agreement, annexes and handover protocols
• Service charge statements and payment receipts
• Correspondence with the landlord (emails, letters, SMS)
• Photos or videos of defects with date and time
• Proofs of payment, receipts and deposit records
• Invoices, cost estimates and witness statements

Important forms and authorities

Inform yourself about your rights under the Civil Code (BGB)^[1] and the procedural rules in the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO)^[2]. For tenancy disputes, the local court is usually responsible^[3]. Examples of helpful templates and forms:

• Written defect notice to the landlord (no official template, but formally necessary)
• Termination statement (if moving out; observe deadlines and formal requirements)
• Filing a claim at the local court (for eviction claims or rent claims under the ZPO)

FAQ

Which documents do I need for an initial consultation?

Bring the lease agreement, service charge statements, correspondence with the landlord, photos of defects, payment proofs and, if available, handover protocols.

How quickly must I react if I receive a termination?

Check the termination period and reason immediately and seek timely legal advice, as deadlines for objection or filing suit can be decisive.

Can I reduce the rent and how do I document it?

Rent reduction is possible for significant defects; document defects with photos, written defect notices and witnesses, and note start and end of the defect.

How-To

1. Create a timeline: When did the defect occur and what communication took place?
2. Collect evidence: Photos, invoices, payment slips and handover protocols.
3. Draft a clear defect notice and send it to the landlord with proof of delivery.
4. Note relevant deadlines and schedule a consultation with an advisory service or the local court.
5. If necessary, prepare documents for a claim and clarify jurisdiction at the local court.

Help and Support / Resources

• Civil Code (BGB)
• Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO)
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH)

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) — bundesgerichtshof.de