Initial Consultation Checklist for Tenants in Germany

Many tenants in German cities wonder which documents and steps are truly necessary for an initial consultation. This guide helps you prepare an initial consultation in a focused way so you can meet deadlines, present evidence and submit forms correctly. Especially in shared apartments or with complex rental issues like rent increases, eviction or significant defects, structured preparation is important. I explain in plain language which rental documents, photos and reports are useful, how to organise appointments and deadlines, and which official laws and courts are responsible for rental disputes. This way you appear more confident in initial consultations and increase your chances of quickly finding practical solutions in Germany.

Preparation for the initial consultation

The goal of the initial consultation is to present all relevant facts briefly: rental agreement, proof of payments, defect description and chronology. State clearly whether the issue is rent reduction, termination, eviction suit or modernisation. Legal basis can be found in the German Civil Code (BGB) §§ 535–580a.^[1]

Which documents to bring

• Rental agreement (including annexes and signatures).
• Proofs of payment: transfers, receipts, deposit evidence.
• Photos and logs for defects (date, location, description).
• Correspondence with the landlord: emails, letters, handover records.
• Repair orders or tradesmen invoices, if available.

Deadlines, forms and courts

Pay attention to deadlines for reporting defects and notice periods. Local district courts (Amtsgerichte) are usually responsible for rental disputes; appeals go to the regional court (Landgericht) and for legal precedent to the Federal Court of Justice.^[2][3]

• Written defect notification: note the date and ensure proof of delivery.
• Termination letters: follow templates and make service provable.
• Clean up evidence: photos, witnesses, measurements, invoices.

FAQ

Which documents should I bring to the initial consultation?

Bring the rental agreement, payment proofs, photos of defects, correspondence with the landlord and tradesmen invoices.

Which court is responsible for rental disputes?

Local district courts (Amtsgerichte) are typically responsible; appeals go to the regional court and fundamental legal issues to the Federal Court of Justice.

Are there official forms for lawsuits or powers of attorney?

For lawsuits there are standard complaint forms and power of attorney templates available from judicial authorities; the responsible district court may provide forms.

How-To

1. First collect the rental agreement and all payment proofs.
2. Document defects with photos, date and brief notes.
3. Create a simple chronology of events with dates.
4. Copy all documents and prepare a summary for the advisor.
5. Book an appointment in good time with a tenant association, advisory centre or lawyer.
6. Take originals to the appointment and hand over only copies.

Help and Support

• German Civil Code (BGB) §§ 535–580a
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) - Decisions
• Civil Procedure Code (ZPO)

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet: BGB § 535 ff.
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet: ZPO
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH)