Tenant Checklist: Rejection Despite Credit in Germany

Many tenants in Germany face rejections when applying for apartments even though their creditworthiness is good. This article clearly explains what rights you have as a tenant, how to recognise and report possible discrimination and which deadlines and official steps you should observe. You will receive a practical checklist, guidance on relevant legal bases and instructions on how to collect evidence, submit forms and notify a local court if necessary. The guidance applies nationwide in Germany and is based on the relevant provisions of the BGB and the ZPO. At the end you will find FAQs, a step-by-step guide to reporting discrimination and links to official forms so you can act quickly and confidently.

What to do after rejection despite credit?

If you are rejected despite clean credit documents (Schufa report, pay slips), first check whether the rejection was factually justified. Landlords must not reject based on protected characteristics such as origin, gender or religion; such cases may be discrimination and should be reported. Relevant legal provisions on tenancy are found in the BGB (§§ 535–580a)^[1], and procedural steps and lawsuits are governed by the ZPO^[2].

Immediate steps for tenants

• Collect documents and correspondence (evidence).
• File a written objection and request reasons in writing (notice).
• Check deadlines and respond within required timeframes (deadline).
• Consider court action at the local court or seek legal advice if needed (court).

Official forms and templates

Use official templates to respond formally. Examples include templates for termination or objection letters and complaint forms for civil proceedings at the local court. Clearly state dates, addresses, application details and attach copies of Schufa, pay slips and correspondence. Refer to the BGB^[1] and ZPO^[2] for the legal basis. Templates and guidance from the Federal Ministry of Justice help with drafting official letters^[4], and court steps fall under the jurisdiction of the local court^[3].

• Termination letter template from the Federal Ministry of Justice (for formal terminations or counter-confirmations).
• Complaint or application forms for civil proceedings at the local court (if out-of-court steps do not help).

Rights before courts and authorities

If you go to court, the local court is the first instance for many tenancy disputes; for higher amounts the regional court follows and later the Federal Court of Justice (BGH)^[3]. Civil procedural steps are governed by the ZPO^[2], for example for filing claims, service and eviction cases. Prepare a clear file with evidence, witness statements and a chronological explanation.

FAQ

What can I do if I was rejected despite good credit?

Check the reason, gather all documents and request a written explanation. If you suspect discrimination, report the case and use official templates for objection.

Is it illegal to reject me because of origin or gender?

Yes, discrimination on the basis of protected characteristics is prohibited; in such cases secure evidence and report the incident.

Which deadlines apply for objections or lawsuits?

Deadlines depend on the situation; act quickly, record receipt and issue dates and observe formal deadlines under the ZPO and court rules.

How-To

1. Collect evidence: Schufa printout, pay slips, emails and messages.
2. Draft objection: include date, addresses, factual account and attach copies of the evidence.
3. Submit forms: if there is no response, consider filing a complaint or application at the competent local court.
4. Track deadlines: secure confirmations of receipt and note dates for responses and possible court hearings.

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB §§535–580a – gesetze-im-internet.de
• Federal Court of Justice – bundesgerichtshof.de
• Justice Portal – justiz.de

1. [1] BGB §§535–580a — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] ZPO — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof — bundesgerichtshof.de
4. [4] Federal Ministry of Justice — bmj.de