Tenant Advice Online in Germany 2025
Many tenants in Germany look for quick, legally sound help with rent increases, eviction or repair issues. This guide explains how to prepare efficiently for an online tenant consultation and which documents you should have ready. It clearly describes which forms and proofs are often required, which deadlines are important and how to initiate legal steps. The advice is aimed at tenants without a legal background and shows practical steps for phone, video or email consultations in Germany.
What to have ready
Before the consultation prepare these documents: lease agreement, current utility bill settlement, correspondence with the landlord and photos of defects. Digitize papers as PDFs and name files clearly.
- Lease agreement, handover protocol and defect photos (document, photo)
- Payment receipts and bank statements for rent and deposit (rent payment)
- Forms or template letters you intend to use (form)
- Deadlines and dates: When did the defect first occur, since when are you paying reduced rent? (deadline)
How an online consultation works
Most advisory services start by listing the facts, reviewing your documents and naming concrete next steps. In the consultation you clarify goals (e.g. rent reduction, repair or protection from eviction) and receive guidance on forms and deadlines.
- Upload documents or send them by email (document)
- Review and adapt template letters if needed (form)
- Note deadlines and set reminders (deadline)
- Attend the phone or video appointment and clarify questions (contact)
- If necessary, prepare written steps for court (court)
Which official forms and laws matter
In Germany advice is often based on the Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB), especially §§ 535–580a on tenancy.[1] Procedural steps for court actions follow the Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO).[2] Rental disputes are usually decided by the Amtsgericht; in certain cases appeals go to the Landgericht or the Federal Court of Justice (BGH).[3]
FAQ
- Can I receive legally binding advice online?
- Yes. Many advisory services provide binding statements if you submit complete documents; clarify scope and costs in advance.
- Which deadlines apply for a rent reduction?
- Report the defect to the landlord immediately, document it and set a deadline for remedy; exact timeframes vary by case.
- Where can I turn if the landlord does not respond?
- Contact a tenant advisory service or consider filing suit at the competent Amtsgericht; collect all evidence and communication.
How-To
- Collect all relevant documents digitally (lease, photos, receipts).
- Complete template letters and have them reviewed in the consultation.
- Schedule an online appointment and send documents in advance.
- Observe all deadlines advised and act within the set timeframes.
- If necessary, prepare documents for court and file them at the Amtsgericht.
