Long-term Serviced Apartment: Tenant Rights Germany

As a tenant in Germany, it is important to clearly arrange the terms for a long-term serviced apartment. Many rental agreements for special housing forms are initially short or ambiguously worded; by carefully checking the rental period, operating costs, maintenance obligations and termination deadlines you protect your rights. This guide explains in practical terms which clauses you should check, which legal foundations from the BGB apply and how to use official forms to enforce claims. Step by step you will learn how documentation, deadlines and communication with the landlord can prevent problems such as rent increases, repair defects or premature termination. At the end you will find FAQs, a practical how-to and official help. Read the examples and suggested wording below.

What tenants should note

First check the contract period and whether the contract ends automatically or is tacitly renewed. Pay attention to agreements on operating costs, cleaning services and additional service fees as well as regulations on maintenance and handover. If there are uncertainties, request written clarifications from the landlord and document every communication.

Important contract clauses

• Specify rental period and extension clauses clearly, check deadlines.
• List operating costs and payment modalities precisely.
• Regulate maintenance obligations (who repairs what?) contractually.
• Observe termination periods and special termination rights.
• Create a handover protocol with meter readings, condition and photos.

If questions remain, send a written request for contract clarification with specific deadlines; this provides evidence and can prevent later disputes. If a rent increase is imminent, check whether the formal requirements under the BGB have been met.^[1]

Forms and templates

Important official forms and sample letters tenants can use:

• Termination letter (sample termination) – use a written termination letter with name, address, lease start date and signature; example: timely termination at the end of the month.
• Defect notice (in writing) – name the defect, date, requested deadline for remedy and ask for written confirmation.
• Filing a claim / eviction suit – if the landlord does not respond, a claim at the local court may be necessary; observe the ZPO rules.^[2]

Example: You report mold in writing, set a 14-day deadline for remediation and request a written response; if there is no reply, continue documenting and consider options for termination or rent reduction.

FAQ

How long can I rent a serviced apartment?

The duration depends on the contract; check the term, renewal rules and notice periods. If clauses are unclear, request written clarification.

What to do in case of a rent increase?

A rent increase must be formally justified and served; check the justification under the BGB and respond in writing, possibly with a statement.

Who pays for repairs?

In general, the landlord bears maintenance obligations under §535 BGB; minor cosmetic repairs may be contractually regulated differently.

How-To

1. Check the contract: term, notice periods and service provisions carefully.
2. Document defects: photos, date, written defect notice and keep copies.
3. Use forms: prepare a termination letter or sample defect notice and deliver on time.^[3]
4. In case of dispute: contact the competent local court and, if necessary, seek legal advice; observe ZPO deadlines.^[2]

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB (Gesetze im Internet) – contract duties and tenant rights
• ZPO (Gesetze im Internet) – procedural law for claims
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – key decisions in tenancy law

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) – Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection – forms and information
4. [4] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – decisions and information