Tenant Advice Online in Germany: 5 Steps

Many tenants in Germany look for fast, legally sound advice online, especially when contacting tenant associations, facing rent increases, eviction or apartment defects. This guide describes five clear steps to prepare a legally compliant online consultation for a shared flat or individual tenants, compile necessary documents and initiate formal steps at the local court or in correspondence with the landlord. We explain relevant sections of the BGB^[1], notable forms and give practical examples so you can securely manage appointments, deadlines and evidence. The language remains clear; the aim is for you as a tenant in Germany to act confidently and protect your rights. At the end you will find links to official forms and local court information as well as notes on handover procedures.

How tenants conduct legally secure online consultations

Online advice can be fast and effective if you are prepared. Use tenant associations and advice centers, collect evidence and document damage systematically. Many advice centers offer telephone or video appointments; schedule a meeting and send documents in advance.

• Collect documents: lease agreement, handover protocol, photos as evidence (evidence).
• Check deadlines (deadline) and schedule appointments, for example for objections or tenant association consultations.
• Choose a contact point: tenant association, advice center or legal advice by phone or email (call).

FAQ

Can I use online advice for my shared flat (WG)?

Yes. A shared flat can be advised jointly or individual flatmates separately; clarify who is authorised in the appointment.

How quickly must I react if the landlord announces a rent increase?

Check the deadline in the notice, respond in writing and obtain advice if necessary; if unsure, object promptly.

What should I do for serious defects like heating failure?

Report the defect immediately in writing, set a reasonable deadline for repair and document the impact on habitability.

How-To

1. Step 1 — Organise documents: lease, handover protocol, correspondence and photos.
2. Step 2 — Check deadlines (deadline): observe termination periods, cure periods and possible lawsuit deadlines.^[2]
3. Step 3 — Prepare forms: termination letter templates, objection or lawsuit forms (example: lawsuit form at the local court) and create examples.
4. Step 4 — Inform the landlord (call): report defects in writing, set a deadline for remedy and document appointments.
5. Step 5 — If necessary, proceed in court: file a lawsuit at the competent local court and pay attention to procedures under the ZPO.^[3] Appeals may be decided by the Regional Court or BGH.^[4]

Important forms (selection) and when to use them:

• Termination letter (no central form number): written contract termination, example: a flatmate terminates their sublease.
• Lawsuit form at the local court (template): used when a landlord does not vacate despite request or does not remedy defects.
• Application for a preliminary injunction (when urgent protection is needed): example: immediate restoration of heating in winter.

Help and Support

• Civil Code (BGB) – Gesetze im Internet
• Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) – Gesetze im Internet
• Information on courts and local courts – Justiz

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) – Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Justiz: Information on local courts and courts
4. [4] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – Decisions and information