Tenant Checklist for Initial Advice in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, a well-prepared initial consultation is often crucial to protect rights and avoid unnecessary costs. This checklist helps you organize documents, appointments and important questions so lawyers, tenant associations or advice centres can quickly understand your situation. You will find guidance on which evidence documents defects, heating and service charges, terminations or rent payments, which deadlines to observe and how to secure photos or witnesses. The guide explains simple steps for complex cases, shows typical forms and names competent courts. The aim is that you enter the initial consultation confidently and receive concrete action steps for further proceedings. Read on for practical checklist items.

What to bring to the initial consultation

For an effective consultation, three things are important: complete documents, a clear chronology of events and concrete questions or goals. Prepare your situation so the adviser can understand the main points in 15–30 minutes.

• Tenancy agreement (current contract text; form)
• Service charge and heating statements (heating)
• Bank statements showing rent payments (rent)
• Correspondence with the landlord, emails, defect notices (evidence)
• Photos and videos of defects (evidence)
• Written requests or reminders to the landlord (notice)
• List of witnesses with contact details (record)
• Important appointments and deadlines (calendar)

Practical steps before the appointment

Go through the documents chronologically and create a short bullet-point summary: date of the problem, first report to the landlord, responses so far, health impacts and costs to date. Note three concrete goals for the meeting (e.g. enforce rent reduction, force repair, check eviction deadlines).

How the consultation proceeds

The adviser will briefly read your chronology, ask focused questions and then explain the legal assessment and possible steps. Expect guidance on tenancy law basics, required evidence and practical actions such as demand letters or official forms.

FAQ

What does an initial consultation provide?

An initial consultation clarifies your legal position, priorities and the next practical steps. You will usually receive a first assessment of claims under the BGB and advice on securing evidence.^[1]

Which deadlines are important?

Deadlines for objections, cure or lawsuits are tight: court proceedings follow the Civil Procedure Rules (ZPO), so early review is important.^[2]

Which court is responsible?

Most residential tenancy disputes are handled by the local district court (Amtsgericht); fundamental legal questions are decided by regional courts or the Federal Court of Justice on appeal.^[3]

How-To

1. Collect all relevant evidence and arrange it chronologically.
2. Create a short chronology of events with dates and actions.
3. Take photo or video documentation of defects with dates.
4. Check all deadlines and note submission dates for responses or lawsuits.
5. Book an appointment with a tenant association or advice centre and state your three priorities.
6. Confirm the consultation appointment in writing and send a summary by email in advance.

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – tenancy law §§ 535–580a
• Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) – court procedures
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – selected decisions

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet – BGB §§ 535–580a
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet – ZPO
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof – Decisions