Tenants Notify Changes in Germany 2025

As a tenant in Germany you often need to notify your landlord about changes: address, bank or household changes, structural alterations or a new subtenant. These obligations have deadlines and formal requirements that protect your tenancy. This text explains step by step which information is useful, which proofs you should attach and which forms or template letters apply. I explain in practical terms how to meet deadlines, collect evidence and react in case of disagreements. The guidance refers to applicable German law and administrative channels so that you can act legally safe in 2025 and avoid conflicts with the landlord.

What must tenants report?

In principle: all changes that affect the tenancy, the use of the apartment or safety should be reported to the landlord. These particularly include:

• Address changes and new contact details (phone, e‑mail).
• Change of bank details for rent payments.
• Subletting or new flatmates.
• Structural changes or permanent installations in the apartment.
• Keeping pets, if the lease regulates this or consent is required.

Form and deadlines: How to report changes legally?

Oral agreements are possible, but written notifications by letter or e‑mail are safer. State date, specific change, situation description and attach relevant proofs (e.g. sublease contract, photos, new bank details). For deliveries by registered mail or handover document the receipt confirmation. For certain changes deadlines apply: for example report address changes in time for operating cost statements.

Which official forms and templates exist?

There is no uniform central "tenant change form requirement", but official laws and templates may be relevant. Important legal bases are the Civil Code (BGB) on duties of landlord and tenant^[1] and the Housing Promotion Act (WoFG) for social housing^[2]. For court and enforcement matters the rules of the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) apply^[3].

Practical template: Changing bank details

Example text short: date, subject "Change of bank details", old bank details, new bank details, customer number, signature. Also send a confirmation from your bank or a bank statement as proof. State from which date the new details apply.

If the landlord does not respond or refuses

If the landlord does not respond, send a reminder with a deadline and document the process. If the refusal is unjustified (e.g. in case of permitted subletting), initially object in writing and, if necessary, seek legal advice. If it escalates, the local court (Amtsgericht) handles disputes; higher courts are the regional court and the Federal Court of Justice for legal issues and precedents^[4].

Concrete action steps

• Inform in writing and state the date.
• Attach documents (proofs, photos, contracts).
• Document receipt (registered mail, receipt confirmation).
• If uncertain seek legal advice or local tenant counselling.

FAQ

Which changes must I definitely report to the landlord?

Essential changes are address and contact details, subletting, structural changes and matters affecting safety or use. For social housing, additional obligations under the WoFG may apply.^[2]

Is an e‑mail sufficient or must I inform by letter?

E‑mail is allowed but provides less secure proof than registered mail. If you want certainty, send important notifications by registered mail or with receipt confirmation.

What happens if the landlord objects?

First try to resolve it in writing. If the dispute continues, you can seek resolution at the local court; procedural matters are governed by the ZPO.^[3]

How-To

1. Formulate the change clearly (What? From when? Reason?).
2. Attach proofs (photos, sublease contract, bank confirmation).
3. Send the notification by e‑mail and additionally by registered mail or obtain written receipt confirmation.
4. Document all steps and deadlines, and obtain legal advice if necessary.

Help and Support / Resources

• Civil Code (BGB) §§ 535–580a
• Housing Promotion Act (WoFG)
• Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO)
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH)

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet — Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet — Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG)
3. [3] Gesetze im Internet — Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
4. [4] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH)