Tenant Q&A: Online Advice in Germany

As a tenant in Germany you often face questions about tenancy law, repairs, termination or utility charges. Online advice services can quickly clarify which rights you have, which deadlines apply and which steps make sense before you file a formal complaint or lawsuit. This practical guide explains in plain language how online advice works, which documents you should prepare and when the local court (Amtsgericht) becomes relevant. It contains concrete action steps, notes on official forms and examples of how to write a written defect notice. The information refers to applicable German law and points to official sources so you can act safely and not miss deadlines. Read the step-by-step guide below, use the FAQ and the notes on official forms.

What online advice can do for tenants

Online advice helps assess quickly whether a problem is legally relevant, which deadlines apply and which documents you need. Typical topics are rent reduction for defects, formal termination letters, utility bills and timely responses to landlord communications.

• Collect evidence (evidence): photos, date, and record witnesses.
• Send a written defect notice (notice): state the problem, location and desired deadline.
• Set deadlines (deadline): give a clear deadline for remedy, e.g. 14 days.
• If no solution: consider court steps or mediation (court).

Typical questions and quick answers

Online advisers often explain which sections of the BGB are relevant and how proceedings at the local court work. Documentation and meeting deadlines are crucial.

FAQ

When can I reduce the rent?

You can reduce the rent if the apartment has defects that restrict its usability. Report the defect in writing and document it. The legal basis is §§ 535–536 BGB.^[1]

How should I respond to a termination?

Check whether the termination is formally and timely correct and whether there is a reason for termination. Respond quickly; short deadlines often apply for statements or objections. In uncertain situations seek legal advice or contact the local court.^[2]

Which documents are needed for an eviction suit or counterclaim?

Gather the tenancy agreement, correspondence, photos of defects and payment receipts. These documents are required in a suit before the local court; the procedure follows the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO).^[2]

How-To

1. Collect evidence: photos, dates, witnesses, correspondence (evidence).
2. Write a defect notice to the landlord and set a deadline (notice, deadline).
3. If defect persists: obtain an independent expert report and cost estimates (repair).
4. Consider filing a claim at the local court or mediation if there is no remedy (court).
5. Use online advice, tenant associations or official authority information to prepare (contact).

Key Takeaways

• Respect deadlines: many rights can be lost if deadlines are missed.
• Document thoroughly: photos and logs strengthen your case.
• Use written form: important notices should be sent in writing.

Help and Support / Resources

• §§ 535–580a BGB — Tenancy law (gesetze-im-internet.de)
• ZPO — Code of Civil Procedure (gesetze-im-internet.de)
• Federal Court of Justice — decisions on tenancy law (bundesgerichtshof.de)

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) — bundesgerichtshof.de