Online Tenant Advice for WGs in Germany
Many tenants in shared flats seek quick, clear help with rental problems in Germany: from repairs and rent reductions to eviction notices. Online advice can help review your documents, spot deadlines, and prepare appropriate steps before you involve a lawyer or the local court. This page explains in practical terms which documents matter, which official forms you should know, and how to secure evidence safely. If needed, we show how to apply for legal aid (Prozesskostenhilfe) and when filing a lawsuit at the Amtsgericht makes sense. The goal is for you as a tenant to decide informed and enforce your rights effectively.
How online advice works for shared flats
Online advice usually offers an initial check of your documents: rental agreement, handover protocol, photos of defects and correspondence with the landlord. Advisory offices check whether a rent reduction is justified, whether a termination was lawful, or whether deadlines for response exist. You receive concrete guidance on the next sensible steps and which forms or evidence to prepare. Advice does not always replace legal representation but gives clear action recommendations.
Important rights, forms and contact points
As a tenant you should know the main legal rules: tenancy law is regulated in §§ 535–580a of the BGB and determines landlord and tenant duties; procedural rules for court actions are in the ZPO.[1] Practically relevant are certain forms and certificates, for example the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung when registering residence, or the application for legal aid if a lawsuit is imminent.
- Lawsuits at the local court (court): How an eviction suit proceeds and which documents the Amtsgericht requires.
- Rent reduction (rent reduction): Reasons, calculation and how to document defects.
- Termination letter (form): Formal requirements, deadlines and a practical template for the response.
- Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (form): When you need the certificate and how it should be completed.[2]
- Application for legal aid (PKH): When PKH is possible and how to submit the form.
- Documentation & evidence preservation: photos, dates, witnesses, logs and handover protocols.
Practical: forms and an example step
Example: You have mold in the bedroom and the heating works poorly. Document the defect with photos, inform the landlord in writing (email/letter) and set a deadline to fix it. If there is no response, you can reduce the rent and, if necessary, bring the matter to the Amtsgericht. In many cases, a consultation at a tenant association or an official advisory center helps beforehand.
FAQ
- How much can I reduce the rent?
- The amount of rent reduction depends on the extent of the impairment. There are no flat rates; guidance comes from case law and advisory centers.
- Do I have to give the landlord a deadline to repair first?
- Yes: Generally you should report the defect in writing and set a reasonable deadline for repair before taking further steps.
- Who decides eviction lawsuits?
- Eviction lawsuits are usually decided in the first instance by the local Amtsgericht; appeals go to the Landgericht.
How-To
- Collect evidence: photos, chat logs, handover protocol and bills.
- Write a defect notice (form) to the landlord including a deadline.
- Observe deadlines: respond within the set period or document the lack of response.
- If necessary, file a lawsuit at the Amtsgericht or apply for legal aid (PKH).
Help and Support / Resources
- BGB §§ 535–580a (Tenancy law) – Gesetze im Internet
- Wohnungsgeberbestätigung – BMI information
- Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – decisions on tenancy law
