Termination after Rent Increase: Protect Tenants in Germany

If a termination follows an announced rent increase, many tenants in Germany face uncertainty. This guide explains in simple terms what rights tenants have, which deadlines apply and which common mistakes should be avoided. You will receive concrete steps on how to collect evidence, which forms are relevant and when you must react in time. The aim is to help you review terminations after rent increases factually, secure yourself legally and avoid unnecessary disadvantages.

What you need to know

Fundamentally, the Civil Code (BGB) regulates many landlord obligations and tenant rights, such as maintenance and termination protection.^[1] Deadlines, form and delivery of the termination are important: a formally defective termination is often invalid. Check the reasons for termination carefully and note the date of receipt.

Practical steps after receiving the termination

Follow a clear order to keep your options open:

• Check the deadline: Note the date of receipt and calculate all relevant deadlines for objections or lawsuit.
• Secure evidence: Collect lease agreements, amendment agreements, rent increase notice, photos of defects and correspondence.
• Check forms: Inquire at the competent local court or justice portal about lawsuit forms and submission methods.^[3]
• Consider legal help: Contact advisory centers or consider legal representation, especially in eviction cases.

Typical mistakes and how to avoid them

• Missing deadlines: Do not wait until close to eviction dates; act immediately upon receipt.
• Not securing evidence: Missing documentation about the rent increase or defects weakens your position.
• Ignoring formal errors: A termination must be in writing and signed; check proof of receipt.

When is court action necessary?

If you consider the termination invalid or eviction is threatened, the only option often is the local court. Procedural rules for filing a lawsuit and forced eviction are regulated in the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO).^[2] Submit lawsuit documents completely and observe the local submission channels of the competent local court.

About forms and templates

Specific lawsuit forms or information on filing can be found at your federal state justice portal or at the competent local court.^[3] A practical example: to resist an eviction you need a complaint with reasons, evidence and copies of all relevant letters. Submit copies, not originals, and keep proof of delivery or shipment.

Häufige Fragen

Kann ein Mieter gegen eine Kündigung nach Mieterhöhung vorgehen?

Ja. Mieter können die Wirksamkeit der Kündigung prüfen lassen und unter Umständen Klage beim Amtsgericht einreichen.

Welche Fristen muss ich beachten?

Fristen hängen vom Kündigungsgrund ab; prüfen Sie das Datum des Zugangs sofort und handeln Sie innerhalb der gesetzten Fristen.

Wo finde ich offizielle Formulare?

Formulare und Hinweise finden Sie beim zuständigen Amtsgericht oder im Justizportal Ihres Bundeslandes.

Anleitung

1. Determine the deadline: Note the date the termination was received and calculate deadlines for objection or lawsuit.
2. Gather documents: Compile the lease, rent increase notice, payment receipts and photo or written evidence.
3. Clarify form requirements: Check at the local court or justice portal which form is required and how to submit it.
4. If necessary, file a lawsuit: Submit complete documents and keep copies for your records.

Help and Support

• Justizportal of the Federal Government and Länder
• Gesetze im Internet (BGB)
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – Decisions

1. [1] § 535 BGB (Landlord obligations) – gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) – gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Justice Portal of the Federal Government and Länder – justiz.de