Tenant Claim Checklist for Germany

As a tenant in Germany you often face questions about housing benefit, rent reduction, service charges or necessary repairs. This checklist helps you systematically review your claim: which legal foundations apply, which deadlines must be observed and which official forms you need. I explain clearly how to document defects, find federal or state forms and when to involve the local court. I also show practical steps for filing objections, applying for housing benefit or negotiating with the property manager. I list concrete deadlines, sample forms and explain when a rent reduction is possible or when legal help is advisable. The goal is that you can act confidently and prepared — without legal expertise.

What to check

When assessing a claim, it usually concerns four areas: the legal basis (e.g. landlord duties), deadlines for notifications and lawsuits, the appropriate forms and your evidence. The relevant tenancy law provisions are in the BGB, in particular §§ 535–580a.^[1] For court proceedings the rules of the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) apply.^[2]

• Document defects carefully with photos, dates and witnesses.
• Collect all contracts, payment receipts and correspondence.
• Observe deadlines for defect notices, objections and lawsuits.

Specific claims and forms

Housing benefit applications, requests for rent reduction or notices for failure to remedy defects often require specific forms or written notices to the landlord or the responsible authority. Information on housing benefit and application forms is provided in housing benefit law.^[3]

FAQ

When can I reduce the rent?

A rent reduction is possible if the apartment has impairments that reduce its suitability for contractual use. Report the defect in writing, set a reasonable deadline for remedy and document the problem.

How do I apply for housing benefit?

Housing benefit is applied for at the responsible housing authority or the social office of your city or municipality. Use the official application form and attach proof of income and the tenancy agreement.

When should I involve a court?

Involve the local court if out-of-court attempts fail or deadlines expire; for tenancy disputes the local court is usually competent in the first instance.

How-To

1. Step 1: Carefully document defects (photos, date, witnesses).
2. Step 2: Send a written defect notice to the landlord and set a deadline.
3. Step 3: Monitor deadlines and, if necessary, file an objection or reminder.
4. Step 4: If there is no response, consider whether a lawsuit at the local court is necessary.
5. Step 5: Collect required documents for housing benefit/forms and submit the application.

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) Mietrecht §§535–580a
• Wohngeldgesetz and application information (Wohngeld)
• Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) – court proceedings

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§535–580a
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
3. [3] Wohngeldgesetz (WoHG) and application information