Tenant Notice: Documents & Deadlines in Germany

As a tenant in Germany you often face forms, deadlines and obligations when contract details or personal data change. This guide clearly and practically explains which documents you need, how to notify changes in time and legally secure ways, and which deadlines apply. You will learn how to properly justify rent reduction, repair reports or address changes, which official forms may be required and when a case can reach the local court. Concrete steps, sample texts and authority pointers help you meet deadlines and protect your rights. Read on for sample forms and a step-by-step guide. The notes apply nationwide.

Which changes must you report?

Typical changes tenants should report include address and bank details, household size, income changes (for housing allowance or rent subsidies) and defects that impair living conditions.

• Address change to the landlord and, if applicable, the residents' registration office within the local deadline.
• Change of bank details for rent payments.
• Notification of people moving in or out of the household.
• Reporting defects or failures of heating/water to preserve deadlines.

Important deadlines and forms

German tenancy law in the Civil Code sets out landlord and tenant duties, e.g. maintenance and notice periods^[1]. For court procedures such as eviction claims, the rules of the Code of Civil Procedure apply^[2]. State support (housing allowance) is governed by the Wohngeld Act (WoFG)^[3]. Relevant case law of the Federal Court of Justice may apply in important legal questions^[4].

• Housing allowance application (form: depends on your municipality) — when income or household size changes; example: Ms. K. reports reduced salary and applies to the responsible office.
• Registration/change at the residents' registration office — required when moving within Germany; example: Mr. S. registers his new address within the local deadline.
• Written defect notification to the landlord — no nationwide standard form, but always include date, description and a deadline; example: mold report with photo and a 14-day deadline.
• Termination letter or objection to a rent increase — sample letters should be dated and signed; example: objection to a rent increase submitted within the stated deadline.

How to report changes securely

To report changes so you have proof: send notifications in writing by registered mail or by email with read receipt, attach relevant documents (e.g. proof of income, new registration certificate) and set a clear deadline if you expect a response. Note the date and time of each delivery and keep copies.

FAQ

What deadline applies for notifying the landlord of an address change?

Practically, you should notify the new address immediately; formally there is no nationwide deadline for notifying the landlord, but local deadlines apply for the registration office.

Do I have to report income changes for housing allowance?

Yes, income changes affect housing allowance and must be reported to the responsible office; check the WoFG for details^[3].

What if the landlord does not respond to my defect notification?

Send a written reminder and set a deadline; document all steps and consider legal advice or involving the local court if necessary^[2].

How-To

1. Notify in writing: clearly state the change and include the date.
2. Attach evidence: send copies of proofs such as registration certificate or payslips.
3. Document delivery: use registered mail or email with read receipt.
4. If disputed: set a deadline and check the local court's jurisdiction.

Help and Support / Resources

• Local courts / jurisdiction — Federal Court of Justice
• Housing Allowance Act (WoFG) — gesetze-im-internet.de
• Civil Code (BGB) — gesetze-im-internet.de

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1. [1] Civil Code (BGB) §§ 535–580a — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Housing Allowance Act (WoFG) — gesetze-im-internet.de
4. [4] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — bundesgerichtshof.de