Tenant Protection in Germany: Economic Reuse

As a student or tenant in Germany, a termination for economic reuse can arrive suddenly and cause uncertainty. This article explains in plain language what economic reuse means, what rights tenants have under the BGB, and how to act in five practical steps. We show which deadlines apply, which official forms you may need, and when a local court (Amtsgericht) is responsible. The goal is to make you able to act: documentation, meeting deadlines, and correct conduct toward the landlord are often decisive. I provide concrete wording for objections, explain how to gather evidence, and outline the process of a possible eviction suit at the local court.

What does economic reuse mean?

Economic reuse describes a justification for an ordinary termination when the landlord needs the apartment for personal economic purposes or wants to convert or sell it. It is crucial whether the landlord presents a legitimate interest and whether the reuse is plausibly explained. Tenants have protection under the provisions of the BGB ^[1] and cannot be displaced arbitrarily.

Your rights and deadlines

• Watch deadlines (deadline): Immediately check when the termination takes effect and whether statutory notice periods were observed.
• Check the termination letter (form): Compare the reasoning with official templates and check formal requirements.
• Collect evidence (evidence): Secure photos, emails and witness statements documenting your situation.
• Get in touch (help): Seek legal advice or student support before responding.

5-step checklist

1. Step 1: Document everything: photos, messages, lease clauses and receipts.
2. Step 2: Check deadlines (deadline) and the landlord's justification under the BGB ^[1].
3. Step 3: Draft an objection using a template (BMJ sample termination) and send it by registered mail ^[2].
4. Step 4: If necessary, file a claim or seek provisional injunctive relief at the local court following ZPO procedures ^[3].
5. Step 5: Prepare a contingency plan (accommodation, boxes, deadlines for moving).

Forms and templates

Key forms and templates include the landlord’s termination letter, a tenant objection template, and, if needed, an application for provisional relief at the local court. The "termination template (BMJ)" can serve as guidance; always insert your own data and support claims with documents ^[2]. Example wording: "I hereby object to the termination dated [date] because the justification is not comprehensible and no concrete economic reuse is demonstrated." Send such letters by registered mail and keep delivery receipts.

FAQ

What is economic reuse?

Economic reuse occurs when the landlord needs the apartment for personal use, sale or conversion and provides a plausible justification.

Which deadlines must I observe?

Check the deadlines stated in the termination letter and statutory notice periods under the BGB; respond immediately if in doubt.

When is the local court responsible?

The local court (Amtsgericht) is generally the first instance for tenancy disputes such as eviction claims and rent reductions.

How-To

1. Collect evidence (evidence): photos, message logs, witness contacts.
2. Check deadlines (deadline): note all relevant dates and act on time.
3. Send a formal objection (form) by registered mail requesting a detailed justification.
4. If needed, file a claim or application at the local court (court) and request provisional relief.
5. Prepare an alternative plan (move-out): organize short-term accommodation and pack essential items.

Key takeaways

• Quick documentation increases your chances in court.
• Meeting deadlines is crucial: act within stated timeframes.
• Use official templates and send communications with proof of delivery.

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) on gesetze-im-internet.de
• Federal Ministry of Justice (BMJ)
• Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) on gesetze-im-internet.de

---

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a — Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Sample termination and information — Federal Ministry of Justice (BMJ)
3. [3] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) — Gesetze im Internet