Tenant Checklist Before Signing in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, you should check before signing a lease what documents are required for an alternative apartment and whether the landlord has an obligation to offer options to families. This article explains in plain language which documents to collect, how to assess offered alternative apartments and which legal deadlines and protective rules apply. You will learn what proof of housing entitlement, income or existing rent arrears looks like, what obligations landlords have and where tenancy disputes end up in court. Practical steps and official forms are named so you can act purposefully without needing legal expertise. We also show which courts are responsible and how to submit documents on time. At the end you will find a short guide to filing complaints and links to official forms.

What to check before signing

Check all requested proofs early and clarify whether an offered alternative apartment matches the promised size, location and features. Make sure to request written offers and record all agreements.

• Tenant self-disclosure and income proofs (document, payment) – collect payslips or benefit notices.
• Housing entitlement certificate or social proofs (WBS) if required.
• Credit report (Schufa) or proof of solvency (record) if requested.
• Proof of previous rent payments or repayment agreements (payment, rent) for outstanding balances.
• Written alternative offer from the landlord (form) with all conditions.

Rights and obligations: brief overview

As a tenant you are entitled to information and transparent offers; landlords must not withhold offers arbitrarily. The legal basis for tenancy is in the German Civil Code (Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch, BGB, §§ 535–580a).^[1] Proceedings are governed by the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO).^[2]

Whether a landlord must make several suitable offers or treat families preferentially depends on local rules and specific contract clauses; if unsure, consult the local court or seek advice.^[3]

Practical steps before signing

Checklist: what to gather and how to proceed

• Gather all required documents (document) and make copies.
• Request a written offer from the landlord (form) and save it.
• Check deadlines (time) for responses or submissions and note important dates.
• Ask factual questions in writing and get confirmation of receipt (contact).

FAQ

What documents can a landlord request?

Common requests include tenant self-disclosure, income proofs, credit report (Schufa) and possibly a housing entitlement certificate; requests must be proportional to the tenancy.

What is an offer obligation toward families?

There is no uniform nationwide obligation in all cases; in large cities and social housing allocations special rules may apply, so check local regulations and insist on written offers.

Where do I go if I have a dispute with the landlord?

Tenancy disputes are usually heard first at the local court (Amtsgericht); higher instances are the regional court (Landgericht) and the Federal Court of Justice.

How-To

1. Collect all proofs (document) and create a copy folder.
2. Request a written alternative offer from the landlord (form) and store it safely.
3. Observe deadlines (time) for responses and submissions and write down dates.
4. If needed, consider filing at the local court (court) or seek legal advice.

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB text on tenancy (Gesetze im Internet).
• ZPO text for court procedures.
• Federal Court of Justice – rulings and guidance.

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet — Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet — Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) — Information and decisions