Rent Agreement Checklist for Tenants in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, you should systematically check which proofs your landlord requests before signing a lease, whether a Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) applies, and which deadlines apply for termination or rent increases. This guide helps you spot common pitfalls, identify required forms and document correctly to avoid issues such as occupancy fees. You will receive practical checkpoints, tips for securing evidence, and concrete steps to take if something is unclear. Read the checklist, collect evidence and know which authorities or courts are responsible in a dispute so you can assert your rights in Germany clearly and confidently.^[1]

What to check before signing

• Check deadlines (deadline): start date, termination periods and fixed-term leases.
• Rent & utilities: cold rent amount, prepayments, operating costs statement and possible allocations.
• Condition & repairs: maintenance agreements, handover protocol and existing defects — record them photographically.
• Forms & proofs (application): Check whether a Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) is required or which certificates the landlord requests.
• Collect evidence (document): store lease, handover report, heating cost statements and correspondence securely.

Important forms and practical examples

The following official documents are especially relevant for tenants. When a form is mentioned, request the current template from the responsible authority or court and use the links provided in the footnotes.

• Application for Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS): required when applying for subsidized housing; example: you need the WBS to rent a social housing unit and must submit it with your housing application.^[2]
• Sample termination letter (civil termination): used to end the tenancy in writing; example: send the notice of termination by registered mail to have clear proof of receipt.^[1]
• Complaint form / statement of claim for payment or eviction disputes: file a claim at the competent local court if out-of-court solutions fail; example: a claim may be necessary if the deposit is not returned.

Securing evidence: practical and effective

Good documentation increases your chances of success. Create a personal filing system:

• Photos & videos: secure defects at move-in and during the tenancy with dates.
• Correspondence: store emails, letters and reminders in chronological order.
• Receipts: keep rent payments and deposit proof carefully.

If a dispute arises: competent authorities

Generally, local courts (Amtsgerichte) are competent for tenancy disputes; higher instances are the regional courts and the Federal Court of Justice for appeals. Seek timely advice and consider a conciliation hearing at the competent court.^[3]

FAQ

Do I always need a WBS for social housing?

In many cases yes: the Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) is required to rent subsidized social housing; specific requirements vary by federal state.

What to do about missing or incorrect information in the lease?

Notify the landlord in writing of errors, request correction and document the communication; if necessary, resolution can follow at the local court.

How can I protect myself from claims due to occupancy errors?

Keep all entitlement proofs (e.g. WBS, subsidy notices) ready and present them on request; report changes immediately.

How-To

1. Gather documents: collect lease, ID, WBS and payment receipts.
2. Check forms: request required forms from the authority or download them (see footnotes).
3. Observe deadlines: send terminations or objections in time by traceable dispatch.
4. In case of dispute: file documents at the local court or seek legal advice.

Help and Support / Resources

• [1] Civil Code (BGB) — gesetze-im-internet.de
• [2] Housing Promotion Act (WoFG) — gesetze-im-internet.de
• [3] Court information portal — justiz.de

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Justizportal zur Gerichtsbarkeit — justiz.de