Report Changes: Tenants' Guide for Germany
Single-parent tenants in Germany often face the task of reporting changes such as address, income, or household composition promptly and securely. This guide explains in clear language which information landlords and authorities expect, which deadlines apply, and which official forms can be used. You will learn practical steps for secure written communication, documentation of evidence, and protecting entitlement rights such as housing allowance or rent reduction. Examples show how a formal notification can look and when you should seek legal advice or involve the local district court. Read on for step-by-step instructions.
What you must report as a tenant
Important changes that landlords or authorities often expect include household situations, income changes, address changes and changes to bank details for rent payments. The duties of landlord and tenant arise from tenancy law in the BGB.[1] Report changes in writing, clearly and with evidence so that you can later refer to a comprehensible record.
- Address change (e.g. moving within the building or new move-in)
- Income change (can affect housing allowance or rent subsidy)
- Household change (new person in the household, birth or move-out)
- Change of bank details or payment method for rent
- Formal applications or evidence for authorities (e.g. housing allowance application)
How to document changes securely
Use simple written notifications by email with read receipt or by registered mail when deadlines matter. Always attach copies of evidence, such as pay slips, birth certificates or registration certificates. If it concerns housing allowance or a change of entitlement, use the official forms under the housing promotion law.[3]
- Written notification to landlord: date, affected points, brief reason
- Attach evidence: bank statement, payslip or registration certificate
- Check deadlines: respond within stated timeframes
- Submit the housing allowance/subsidy application if applicable
Template letter: short and clear
A simple template helps: state subject, full name, address, date of change and attach the evidence. Example: "Subject: Notification of income change. Dear Sir or Madam, I hereby inform you that my monthly income has changed to X euros as of DD.MM.YYYY. Enclosed: payslip." Send the notification by email and by registered mail if the matter concerns deadlines or entitlements.
When to involve the court
If landlords do not respond, deadlines are missed, or disputes arise about defects, rent reduction or eviction, the local district court (Amtsgericht) is responsible; procedural rules are in the Code of Civil Procedure.[2] For more serious or precedent-setting matters, decisions may reach the Federal Court of Justice.[4]
FAQ
- 1) Do I have to report every change immediately?
- Changes that affect payments or contractual relationships should be reported without delay, especially income or address changes.
- 2) Which forms are needed for housing allowance?
- Use the housing allowance application of your municipality; the legal basis is the Housing Promotion Act.
- 3) What if the landlord does not respond?
- Document all contact attempts and seek legal advice or contact your local district court.
How-To
- Check deadlines in your lease and applicable law.
- Collect all required evidence (income, registration, etc.).
- Draft a short written notification to landlord and authorities.
- File the housing allowance application with your municipality if relevant.
- If no solution is possible, inform the district court or seek legal help.
Help and Support / Resources
- BGB: Tenancy law and obligations
- Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – Decisions
- General information on courts (Judiciary portal)
- Housing Promotion Act (WoFG) – Housing allowance
