Tenant Guide: Serviced Apartments in Germany

As a student living in a serviced apartment, you should start documenting early and systematically to avoid rental disputes in Germany. This guide explains in simple steps which records are useful, how to report defects and repairs in writing, and which deadlines matter for rent reduction or termination. You will learn which official forms and courts are responsible, how to date photos and emails, and which evidence helps in court. Phrases for written notices and practical examples make it easy to protect your rights as a tenant without creating unnecessary tension with the landlord. Keep information well organized so you are prepared if problems arise. That saves time and nerves.

Documenting as a student in a serviced apartment

Good documentation means: fast, complete and dated. Start simple routines that help you if a dispute arises.

• Save photos of damage with date and time.
• Keep email correspondence as proof.
• Collect invoices and receipts for payments.
• Keep a log: date, time, witnesses, description of defects.

When you report defects, always do so in writing (email or letter) and ask for confirmation of receipt. Refer to tenancy law (Sections 535–580a BGB)^[1] and check the civil procedure rules in the ZPO for court actions^[2]. Official guidance and templates are available from the responsible authorities and courts^[3].

Examples of useful documents: move-in protocol, defect description with photos, email archive with timestamps, payment receipts and, if applicable, witness statements. If you consider rent reduction, note start, end and reasons precisely.

FAQ

What should I document?

Record the description of damage, date, time, photos, messages to the landlord and all receipts for repairs or payments.

Which deadlines apply for defects?

Report defects immediately and set a reasonable deadline for remediation. If escalation is necessary, the ZPO contains relevant procedural deadlines.

Which court is responsible for rental disputes?

Rental disputes are usually heard in the local Amtsgericht in the first instance; higher instances include the Landgericht and the Federal Court of Justice for matters of principle.

How-To

1. Step 1: Photograph immediately and note times.
2. Step 2: Send a written defect notice to the landlord and obtain confirmation of receipt.
3. Step 3: Collect receipts, invoices and emails and file them in order.
4. Step 4: If necessary, seek legal advice and prepare documents for court; refer to Sections 535–580a BGB.

Help and Support / Resources

• Tenancy law: BGB §535 ff. on Gesetze im Internet
• Civil Procedure Code (ZPO) on Gesetze im Internet
• Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection (BMJV)
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – decisions

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet – BGB §535 ff.
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet – ZPO
3. [3] Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz (BMJV)
4. [4] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH)