Tenant Hardship Care: Documents & Deadlines in Germany
As a tenant in Germany caring for a relative, duties, deadlines and protections can change significantly. This guide explains clearly which documents and evidence you now need, which deadlines to watch, and how a sample letter for a hardship due to care should be structured. We list concrete proofs such as medical certificates, care level notices, household evidence and possibly housing benefit applications, explain when you must meet deadlines with your landlord or local court, and give practical steps for submission and template guidance.[1] This helps you as a tenant in Germany to meet deadlines, assert rights and document your situation convincingly. Read on for checklists and sample texts.
Which documents you need
- Medical certificate or statement of care needs (date, doctor's signature).
- Notice of care level or bank statements / notices from the care insurance as proof.
- Tenancy agreement, correspondence with the landlord and previous payment receipts.
- Photos or logs of the living situation and necessary adaptations (e.g. accessibility).
Keep all evidence organized and secure copies.
Deadlines and dates
- Response deadline to a termination or warning: check and respond within the stated deadline, often only a few days.
- Deadline to submit evidence to the landlord: as soon as possible; check the deadline in the letter.
- For eviction lawsuits: observe the deadlines of the ZPO and dates at the local court.[2]
Do not miss deadlines, otherwise your defense may be significantly weakened.
Sample letter: template & tips
Template: hardship due to care
Dear [Landlord Name],
I have been caring for my relative since [date] and request your consideration on hardship grounds and, if possible, an extension of deadlines. I enclose as proof: medical certificate, notice of care level and evidence regarding household management. I hereby request an extension until [date] to arrange the housing situation. For questions I am reachable at [phone].
Sincerely,
[Name, Address]
FAQ
- Can I claim protection from termination because of care?
- Yes, in certain circumstances a hardship can provide protection; what matters are concrete proofs and deadlines.[1]
- Which documents are most persuasive?
- Medical certificates and notices of care needs as well as official decisions from the care insurance or social welfare office are most important.
- Which court do I turn to in a dispute?
- Tenancy disputes usually start at the competent local court (Amtsgericht); higher instances are the regional court and the Federal Court of Justice (BGH).[3]
How-To
- Gather all relevant evidence (certificates, care level, official notices).
- Immediately check any deadlines in landlord letters or court papers.
- Prepare a template letter and attach the evidence.
- Submit documents to the landlord and, if necessary, to the local court.
