Initial Advice for Tenants in Germany - WG Prep
As a tenant in a shared flat in Germany, an initial consultation at tenant associations or advisory centers can make a difference. This text explains how flatmates prepare appointments on time, which documents and evidence are important, and which questions you should bring about rent, termination or defect repair. We explain clearly which forms and deadlines to observe, how to document damage and when a lawyer or the local court may be involved. The advice is practical so that as tenants in a shared flat you come prepared to your consultation and can effectively assert your rights against landlords. This guide also lists official forms, responsible courts such as the local court and important sections of the BGB so you can quickly find the right contact.
Preparation for the initial consultation
Before the appointment, collect documents and evidence, structure questions and document defects. Bring all relevant proof so advisors can quickly assess the case.
- Completed rental agreement and move-in/out protocols
- Correspondence with the landlord (emails, letters)
- Photos or videos of defects with date stamps
- Receipts for repairs, invoices and bank statements
- Question list: important points briefly numbered
Forms, deadlines and responsibilities
Key legal basics are found in the German Civil Code (BGB) and the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) – check the sections on defects, rent reduction and termination.[1][2] For specific documents many seek templates such as termination letters or damage reports from the Federal Ministry of Justice.[3] In legal disputes the competent local court (Amtsgericht) is the first instance contact.[4]
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who pays for repairs for defects in the shared flat?
- As a rule, the landlord is obliged to remedy defects; document the defect and set a reasonable deadline for remedy.
- Can I reduce rent if the heating fails?
- For significant impairments such as heating failure, a rent reduction may be possible; have the success prospects explained in the initial consultation.
- Which documents does the local court need for an eviction suit?
- The local court requires the rental agreement, proof of payments, warnings and all relevant documents – bring copies and possibly originals to the consultation.
How-To
- Schedule the appointment early and check deadlines.
- Copy all documents and arrange them chronologically.
- Fill out forms (e.g. damage report or termination template).
- Contact the tenant association or advisory center and send documents in advance if possible.
- Note the next steps after the consultation, e.g. deadlines or legal actions.
Help and Support / Resources
- German Civil Code (BGB) - gesetze-im-internet.de
- Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) - gesetze-im-internet.de
- Federal Court of Justice (BGH) - bundesgerichtshof.de
