Online Tenant Advice in Germany — Accessible

As a tenant in Germany you often face questions about tenancy law, rent reduction, eviction or repairs. Online advice can provide fast, accessible access to information and steps to take without long travel. This guide explains in practical terms how online advisory centres and tenants' associations can support you, which official forms are important and how to document deadlines and evidence. We describe when a local court (Amtsgericht) is involved, which sections of the BGB are relevant and which steps help in an eviction suit or heating failure. The language remains simple, with concrete examples and checklists so you can assert your rights as a tenant more confidently.

Tenant rights in Germany

Your basic tenant protection is set out in the German Civil Code (BGB). The landlord must hand over and maintain the rental property in contractual condition; if there are defects you can ask the landlord to remedy them or reduce the rent.^[1] Special protection rules apply to terminations, where deadlines and formal requirements must be observed.

How online advice works

Online advice combines video or telephone appointments with uploading documents and templates. Many advisory centres also offer sample letters, checklists and step-by-step guidance so you meet formal requirements safely.

• Book an appointment (appointment): choose an online consultation slot with an advisory centre.
• Clarify deadlines (deadline): discuss required deadlines and response times with the advisor.
• Provide documents (document): upload the rental contract, utility statements and photos.

Forms and templates

Important forms include termination letters (templates), formal defect notices and the claim form for civil proceedings. Sample texts help with wording; the actual claim form follows the ZPO requirements and must be filed at the court.^[2]

Practical examples

Example: For a persistent heating defect, send a formal defect notice, set a reasonable deadline for repair (e.g. 14 days), document the fault with photos and measurements, and if necessary claim a rent reduction.

FAQ

Can I reduce the rent because of a defect?

Yes. For significant defects tenants can reduce the rent after informing the landlord and setting a reasonable deadline for remedy. [1]

How much time do I have to respond to an eviction?

Check the notice for the termination period; statutory or contractual deadlines apply for a regular termination. For an extraordinary termination act quickly.

Who do I contact for an urgent failure (e.g. heating)?

Contact the landlord in writing first, set a short deadline and inform relevant authorities or emergency services if there is a risk to health.

How-To

1. Step 1: Report the defect in writing (Frist/deadline): describe the defect and set a clear deadline for remedy.
2. Step 2: Collect evidence (document): secure photos, message threads and invoices.
3. Step 3: Document repair progress (repair): record appointments and tradesmen reports.
4. Step 4: Seek advice (contact): arrange online advice with a tenants' association or counselling centre.
5. Step 5: Legal action (court): if necessary, file a claim at the local court using the claim form according to the ZPO. [2]

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet: BGB (official texts)
• Gesetze im Internet: ZPO (procedure law)
• Justizportal: Court information and forms

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet: Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet: Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
3. [3] Justizportal: Forms and court information