Tenant Guide: Serviced Apartments Long-Term in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, it is important when using a serviced apartment long-term to clearly document the rules and how damages, repairs or utility charges are handled. This guide explains in plain language which rights and duties you have, how to record the house rules properly and what evidence helps in disputes. It shows practical steps for collecting photos, written messages and logs as well as deadlines for notifications and possible legal steps before the local court. This keeps you in control of rent payments, the deposit and the apartment condition and helps avoid unnecessary conflicts with the landlord or operator.

Rights and Duties

As a tenant you have clear rights and duties under the German Civil Code: the landlord must hand over the rental object in contractual condition and ensure defects are remedied. The relevant provisions are in the BGB, notably §§535–580a.^[1] For fundamental questions, decisions of the Federal Court of Justice may be relevant.^[3]

What to document?

• Photos (photo) of the condition at move-in and regular updates.
• Keep written correspondence by email or post (mail), including replies.
• Keep a copy of the house rules and document any amendments in writing (form).
• Create and sign a handover protocol at move-in and move-out.
• Collect invoices and receipts for repairs and utility costs.

Recording the house rules correctly

Note date, time and concrete breaches of the house rules and any witnesses. Request compliance from the operator or landlord in writing and set a reasonable deadline. Forms and guidance are available from the local court or the justice portal.^[5]

FAQ

Can I reduce the rent if services are missing?

Yes, if a serviced apartment fails to provide contractually agreed services, you may reduce the rent proportionally after assessing the defect.

How do I draft a correct termination?

A tenant termination must be written and signed; §568 BGB governs form and receipt.^[1]

Where do I turn for eviction issues?

The local court (Amtsgericht) is responsible for claims and evictions; civil procedure law determines the process.^[2]

How-To

1. Step 1: Photograph the damage and note the date (within 24 hours).
2. Step 2: Send a written defect notice to the landlord/operator and set a deadline (form).
3. Step 3: Collect receipts and request the handover protocol (document).
4. Step 4: If the landlord does not react, consider a claim at the local court and observe ZPO procedures.^[2]

Help and Support

• BGB: collection of relevant tenancy provisions
• Justice portal: find local courts and forms
• ZPO: rules on claims and procedures
• Federal Court of Justice: decisions and precedents

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) — bundesgerichtshof.de
4. [4] Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG) — gesetze-im-internet.de
5. [5] Justice portal — local courts and forms