Initial Advice for Tenants in Germany — Complex Cases

As a tenant in Germany, complex cases such as modernization notices, rent reductions due to mold, or imminent evictions can be very stressful. A well-prepared initial consultation helps you meet deadlines, secure evidence, and plan appropriate next steps. This guide explains which documents to collect, which official forms and courts are relevant, and provides practical examples for conversations with advisory centers and lawyers. It is aimed at tenants without legal expertise and names the most important legal bases in rental law in clear language. This way you will attend the initial consultation better informed and increase your chances of protecting your interests. The text also shows how to organize documents chronologically, create photos and defect logs, and which questions to ask during the consultation.

What to bring to the initial consultation

Bring an organized folder with the key documents and a short chronological overview of the dispute. Label each file and include a list of the most important dates and deadlines.

• Rental agreement (form): signed copy and attachments
• Rent payments (rent): bank statements or receipts for the last 12 months
• Photos of defects (evidence): date, descriptions and, if applicable, measurements
• Correspondence with landlord (notice): emails, letters, SMS records
• Operating and heating cost statements (payment): statements and notes of objection
• Deadline list (deadline): termination dates, defect notification dates and appointments

Forms, templates and practical examples

There is no single list of all forms, but common templates needed are termination letters, objections to statements and complaints for the local court. Use templates only as a guide and adapt them to your case. If possible, bring a prefilled version to the advisor to make the session more efficient.^[3]

Examples:

• Termination letter (form): state date, reasons and your signature; example: "I terminate the lease as of DD.MM.YYYY because..., Please confirm."
• Objection to service charges (form): date, specific items and attach copies of the bill
• Complaint for the local court (court): briefly state facts, claim and evidence

You should know important legal bases: rental law in the Civil Code regulates landlord and tenant duties, for example §§ 535–580a BGB.^[1] For court steps, the rules of civil procedure apply.^[2] Generally, local courts are competent; ask the advisor which court has jurisdiction.^[4]

How to structure your initial consultation

Begin with a concise summary of the problem (maximum 2 minutes speaking). State key dates, your claim and which evidence you have. Ask for concrete next steps and deadlines.

FAQ

When can I reduce the rent?

You can reduce the rent if the usability of the apartment is impaired (e.g. heating failure, significant mold). State the type and start of the defect and document it with photos and defect notifications; the legal basis is in the Civil Code.^[1]

Which deadlines are important for termination and eviction?

Pay attention to statutory notice periods and deadlines in the landlord's letters. In court procedures, react immediately because dates are often set shortly.

Where should I go with an imminent eviction?

Contact an advisory center or lawyer immediately and check whether an objection or lawsuit is possible; the procedure usually takes place at the local court.^[4]

How-To

1. Collect documents (evidence): prepare lease, bank statements, photos and a chronology of events.
2. Check deadlines (deadline): note all deadlines and appointments and mark urgent actions.
3. Fill out templates (form): prepare termination or objection templates for consultation.^[3]
4. Attend consultation (court): ask about the competent local court and possible court deadlines.^[4]

Final note

Structured preparation increases the effectiveness of your initial consultation. Documentation, a clear deadline overview and the right templates simplify the assessment by advisors or lawyers.

Help and Support / Resources

• Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection
• Gesetze im Internet (BGB, ZPO)
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – case law

1. [1] Civil Code (BGB), §§ 535–580a
2. [2] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO)
3. [3] Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection – templates and forms
4. [4] Information on courts and jurisdiction (local court)