Tenant Guide Serviced Apartment Germany 2025

As a tenant in Germany, you face specific questions with serviced apartments: What rights do you have, how is the lease structured, what obligations does the landlord have and how do you deal with defects, termination or possible eviction? This guide explains in simple steps which legal foundations apply, which forms are important and how to respect deadlines, secure evidence and choose the correct court path. Practical checklists and sample notes help avoid disputes or be prepared for proceedings. The text is written for non-lawyers and explains terms like rent reduction, operating costs and notice periods clearly and practically. At the end you will find information on authorities, sample forms and next steps.

What tenants need to know

Serviced apartments are often furnished and rented short-term; this does not change the basic rules of tenancy law: the landlord's obligations to maintain and remedy defects arise from Sections 535–580a of the BGB.^[1] For court actions, the rules of the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) apply.^[2] Many cases begin with a written defect notification and setting a deadline for remedy.

Quick steps for problems

• Report defects in writing (form) and request remediation.
• Secure evidence (evidence): photos, timestamps and witness statements.
• Set and track deadlines (deadline): specify a date and reasonable time for remedy.
• Check rent payments (rent): only make lawful deductions and review operating costs.
• If there is no response: consider legal action, possibly file a suit at the local court (court).

Typical contract questions

It is important to check the rental agreement carefully: duration, notice periods, rules on additional costs and inventory. Pay attention to unclear clauses on cleaning, services or extra charges. If in doubt, simple sample wordings can help secure claims in writing; official information on statutory provisions can be found in the law texts.^[1]

FAQ

What rights do I have for defects in a serviced apartment?

You can report defects, set deadlines for remedy and reduce the rent in case of serious impairment; these rights are based on Section 535 et seq. of the BGB.^[1]

How do I contest an unjustified termination?

Check the form and deadlines of the termination immediately; if in doubt, lodge an objection in time and collect evidence. Court clarification takes place at the local court under ZPO rules.^[2]

Which forms or templates are relevant?

There are template letters for many steps, such as written defect notices or termination letters; official guidance and forms are provided by the Federal Ministry of Justice.^[3]

How-To

1. Create a written defect notice: include date, description, evidence and set a deadline (form).
2. Secure evidence: collect photos, videos, witnesses and copies of all messages (evidence).
3. Set a reasonable deadline and follow up in writing if there is no response (deadline).
4. If the deadline passes: consider legal steps and possibly file a claim at the local court (court).

Help and Support / Resources

• Federal Ministry of Justice — information and forms
• BGB — Gesetze im Internet (rental law sections)
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — decisions and case law

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Sample termination and forms — Federal Ministry of Justice
4. [4] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — decisions and rulings