Initial Consultation: Tenant Issues in Germany

As a tenant in Germany you may face questions about rent increases, rent reduction, repairs or termination. A well prepared initial consultation saves time and strengthens your position: collect the lease, correspondence, photos of defects and billing statements, note dates and deadlines and create a short timeline. This guide explains which official forms are important, when you can sue at the local court and how to apply for legal advice aid or court cost assistance. The language is simple, practical and tailored to the needs of tenants in Germany so you can confidently plan the next steps. I also show how to report defects, meet deadlines and secure evidence so you can enforce possible claims effectively.

Preparing for the initial consultation

For the initial consultation bring concrete documents and evidence. Arrange everything chronologically and prepare a short facts overview so the consultation can quickly show which rights and deadlines apply to you.

• Lease and annexes (service charge agreements, handover protocol).
• Correspondence with the landlord: emails, letters, reminders and rent increase notices.
• Photos, videos and measurements of defects; note date and time.
• Latest service charge statements, bank statements and payment receipts.

Deadlines, forms and court

Tenant rights and duties are set out in the German Civil Code (BGB), especially §§ 535–580a ^[1]. Rules for lawsuits and enforcement are in the Civil Procedure Code (ZPO) ^[2]. Pay attention to statutory and contractual deadlines: notice periods, cure periods for defects and filing deadlines.

Important official forms include:

• Application for legal advice aid (Beratungshilfe) – use if you cannot afford an attorney for an initial consultation; the form is available at the local court or via justice portals ^[3]. Example: if eviction is threatened, apply for advice aid before the meeting so a lawyer can assess prospects.
• Application for court cost assistance (PKH) – when a lawsuit becomes necessary and you cannot cover the costs; check eligibility before filing.
• Local court forms – filings for eviction claims or enforcement are submitted to the competent local court; find the proper jurisdiction early ^[4].

FAQ

When is legal advice aid worthwhile?

Legal advice aid is worthwhile if you need a legal assessment but cannot afford the costs of full attorney representation. It covers an initial consultation and simple out-of-court measures.

How should I best prove defects?

Document defects with dates, photos and, if possible, witnesses. Send a written defect notice to the landlord and keep a copy.

When can I reduce the rent?

You can reduce the rent if the usability of the apartment is significantly impaired. Note the extent of the impairment and seek legal advice early.

How-To

1. Collect all relevant documents and create a simple timeline of events.
2. Note deadlines: notice periods, cure periods and possible filing deadlines.
3. Complete, if necessary, the application for legal advice aid or PKH and submit it.
4. Secure evidence: photos, message threads, witness statements and payment records.
5. Book a consultation or prepare the documents for submission to the local court.

Key Takeaways

• Good documentation often matters more than immediate action.
• Aid forms for advice and court costs can lower financial barriers.
• Meeting deadlines protects your legal claims.

Help and Support / Resources

• [1] Forms and information – Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection
• [2] German Civil Code (BGB) – Gesetze im Internet
• [3] Justice portal of the federal and state governments

1. [1] German Civil Code (BGB) §§ 535–580a — Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Civil Procedure Code (ZPO) — Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Forms and information (Beratungshilfe/PKH) — BMJV
4. [4] Information on local courts — Justice portal of the federal and state governments