Tenant Checklist: Finding Comparable Flats in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, you want to be well prepared for rental contracts and possible rent increases. This checklist helps you systematically find comparable flats, compare offers and check key criteria such as location, additional costs, condition and legal certainty. You will learn which documents and photos are useful, when official forms are necessary and how to document defects. I also explain how to observe deadlines, which authorities and courts are responsible in disputes and which official template forms you can use. If needed, you will find links to official forms and authorities at the end.

What is a comparable flat?

A comparable flat is a property you use to assess the appropriateness of rent, condition or operating costs of an offered apartment. Comparable flats help evaluate prices, uncover hidden costs and create a realistic negotiation basis with the landlord. For legal questions, the German Civil Code (BGB) is central.^[1]

Checklist: Step by step

• Check location, transport connections and surroundings (e.g., noise, infrastructure).
• Compare rent and additional costs (rent) including operating cost statements according to the BetrKV.^[3]
• Assess condition and possible repairs (repair), take photos and create a handover protocol.
• Collect documents and evidence (document): listings, floor plans, last operating cost statement.
• Check notice periods and contract clauses; put missing agreements in writing (form).
• Observe deadlines for defect reports and rent increases (deadline) and respond on time.
• Secure contact details: landlord, property management, tenant protection office or local authorities (contact).
• Find out about responsibilities in disputes: local court (Amtsgericht), regional court and possible appeals (court).^[2]

Forms and official templates

Sometimes tenants need official letters: a termination letter (sample), a written defect notice with a deadline, or a formal rent reduction declaration. Practical samples and guidance can be found in the legal texts and from judicial authorities.^[1] For court-related steps, the procedural routes of the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) are used, for example for an eviction claim or a claim for payment.^[2]

Practical approach during viewings

• Note the exact address and compare minimum requirements for heating and insulation.
• Take at least ten photos (document) of each room during the viewing and document visible defects.
• Ask for recent operating cost statements and check items according to the BetrKV.^[3]
• Request written information on notice periods and graduated or index rents (form).

FAQ

Can I reduce the rent if defects are present?

Yes, under certain conditions under the BGB tenants may reduce the rent. Report defects immediately in writing and set a deadline for remedy.^[1]

Where do I turn if an eviction is threatened?

For eviction or termination disputes the competent local court (Amtsgericht) is the first point of contact; the rules of the ZPO apply for lawsuits.^[2]

How do I correctly check operating costs?

Compare billing items with the Operating Costs Regulation (BetrKV) and request a detailed breakdown if unclear.^[3]

How-To

1. Document: Create a list of defects and add photos plus dates.
2. Written notice: Send the landlord a defect notice with a deadline by registered mail or email (form).
3. Collect receipts: Save all statements, messages and receipts for possible proceedings (rent).
4. Check legal options: If the landlord does not react, consult the local court or legal advice for next steps (court).^[2]

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet: Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
• Gesetze im Internet: Betriebskostenverordnung (BetrKV)
• Bundesgerichtshof (BGH)

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet: Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet: Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
3. [3] Gesetze im Internet: Betriebskostenverordnung (BetrKV)
4. [4] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH)
5. [5] Gesetze im Internet: Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG)