Online Advice for Tenants in Germany 2025

Many tenants in Germany are seeking quick, reliable help via online advice in 2025 when it comes to rent reduction, eviction, service charges or repairs. This guide explains clearly how consultations by tenant associations and official advisory centres work online, which deadlines must be observed and which forms you need. You will learn concretely how to attend appointments on time, which evidence is useful and what a process looks like for a written complaint or objection. The goal is to give you practical steps so you can protect your rights as a tenant and resolve issues with landlords more safely and quickly. We also show which official forms, such as the BMJ termination template or objection samples, are used.

What applies to online advice?

Online advice does not replace a court decision but provides tenants with targeted guidance on duties and rights under the Civil Code (BGB)^[1] and explains procedural questions for court proceedings under the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO)^[2]. Advisory centres help to meet deadlines, prepare documents and complete forms correctly. Official sample letters and guidance can be found at the responsible ministries and courts, for example in the information offered by the Federal Ministry of Justice^[3].

Preparation for the online appointment

• Have the appointment confirmation with date and time ready
• All relevant documents: tenancy agreement, service charge statements, payment receipts
• Upload existing letters and forms as PDF or photo
• Collect photos or videos of defects (mould, heating failure, burst pipe)
• Prepare an overview of payments, deposit and arrears
• Note contact details of landlord, property manager and witnesses

In online appointments, advisors usually first clarify which deadlines apply (for example for rent reduction or objection to the service charge). Therefore, have copies and date stamps ready so the consultation can recommend concrete actions in time.

FAQ

Can I have legal steps against an eviction checked via online advice?

Yes. Advisory centres check online whether an eviction is formally valid and which deadlines apply for a response; for a lawsuit you will usually need written authorisations and documents.

Which forms should I prepare?

Important items are powers of attorney, a copy of the tenancy agreement, proof of payments and defects, and possibly a model termination letter or objection template for communication with the landlord.

Do I have to be a member of a tenant association for online advice?

No. Many advisory centres also offer independent initial consultations online; tenant associations often provide more in-depth member advice and court representation.

How-To

1. Book an online appointment and note date, time and access details
2. Collect evidence: tenancy agreement, photos of defects, payment receipts
3. Prepare forms and sample letters by uploading them or having them ready
4. Conduct the consultation and clarify deadlines, next steps and responsibilities
5. If necessary, get advice on which documents to prepare for a local court and how proceedings work

Help and Support

• Gesetze im Internet (BGB and ZPO)
• Federal Ministry of Justice and for Consumer Protection (BMJ)
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH)

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
3. [3] Federal Ministry of Justice and for Consumer Protection (BMJ)