Report Changes 2025: Tenants in Germany

As a tenant in Germany you must notify your landlord or authorities about certain changes — for example an address change, income changes for housing allowance or a changed household size. This guide explains in practical terms which information is important, which deadlines apply and which official forms to use. I show step by step how to write a defect notice, when a termination becomes relevant and how to document evidence correctly. I also name the competent courts and refer to the relevant laws such as the BGB and the ZPO so you know your rights and meet deadlines. Use the examples to adapt wording and procedures for 2025. At the end you will find a short FAQ, a guide to filling out forms and links to official agencies so you can quickly reach the right contact.

What to report

In principle you should report changes that affect rent payment, the contract or state benefits. Typical cases are:

• Address (address): Report moving within or outside the property so mail and service charge statements are delivered correctly.
• Rent (rent): If your account or payment details change or you apply for housing allowance, inform the landlord and the responsible office.
• Household size: New roommates or people leaving can affect allocation of operating costs.
• Income (income): Income changes must be reported for housing allowance and social benefits.^[3]

When deadlines matter

Many notifications have deadlines: e.g. payment deadlines for housing allowance applications or deadlines to remedy defects. Act quickly because late action can cost rights.

Forms and sample letters

Official forms vary by subject: the application for housing allowance is submitted to the local housing allowance office, a defect notice can be informal, and a termination should be written and signed. In the letter state date, your address, description of the change and attach evidence. For laws see the BGB and ZPO for rights and procedures.^[1][2]

Secure evidence and records

Documentation helps: photos, payment receipts, emails and delivery confirmations are valuable in disputes. Send important notifications by registered mail or keep send receipts.

• Collect photos and documents as evidence and file them chronologically.
• Prove forms and written notifications by postal proof (registered mail).

If it becomes disputed

In conflicts the local court (Amtsgericht) is the first instance for many tenancy disputes (e.g. rent reduction, termination, eviction lawsuit). Higher instances are the Landgericht and the BGH provides precedents. Timely response and complete records are crucial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which changes must I notify my landlord immediately?

You should immediately notify address changes, new payment accounts, changes in household members and damages that affect habitability.

Do I have to report income changes for housing allowance?

Yes, income changes must be reported to the housing allowance office because they affect eligibility.^[3]

What happens if I miss deadlines?

Missed deadlines can result in loss of rights, such as denial of housing allowance or disadvantages in court proceedings; respond in time or request an extension.

How-To

1. Collect all relevant documents (tenancy agreement, bank statements, proofs).
2. Complete required forms in full (e.g. application for housing allowance at the housing allowance office).
3. Document notifications: send letters by registered mail or save send protocols.
4. Inform landlord and relevant authorities in writing and state deadlines and contact details.
5. In case of dispute: file documents at the local court and consider legal advice.

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) online
• Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) online
• Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) information

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Information on housing allowance — bundesregierung.de