Tenant: Rejected Despite Credit in Germany

Many tenants in Germany experience this: they meet credit requirements but still receive a rental rejection and do not know how to respond. This page explains step by step what rights you have as a tenant, when a rejection may be discriminatory and which official forms or letters are useful. You will learn how to document a rejection factually, use a template letter to report the rejection and when it makes sense to contact the local court or an advice center. Practical examples show how to prepare documents, evidence and deadlines so you can effectively assert your rights without needing legal jargon.

What to do if you are rejected despite good credit?

First check whether the rejection is based on objective reasons or whether possible discrimination grounds apply (e.g. origin, religion, marital status). Important tenancy law rules are in the BGB, especially regarding landlord and tenant duties and termination protection.^[1] For court actions the rules of the Code of Civil Procedure apply.^[2]

Which documents should you collect?

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• Copies of application documents: tenant self-declaration, income proofs and SCHUFA extract.
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• All correspondence with the landlord or management, including rejection notices and notes from conversations.
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• Record dates and times of contacts and the names of persons spoken to.
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Template letter: report a rejection

Use a factual letter to document the rejection. A short template could look like this:

Subject: Report of apartment rejection despite meeting credit criteria

Dear Sir or Madam,
I hereby report the rejection for the apartment at [address], which was communicated to me on [date]. I meet the usual credit requirements (see attached proofs). Please inform me in writing of the reasons for the rejection. I am documenting this notice for possible further steps.

When is legal action appropriate?

If the rejection clearly appears discriminatory or you were denied important information, legal action may be appropriate. Local courts (Amtsgerichte) typically handle tenancy disputes in the first instance, and higher instances include the regional courts or the Federal Court of Justice.^[3]

FAQ

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Can I force the landlord to state the reason for rejection?

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No, there is no general right to such information, but you can request reasons in writing and document that request.

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Is a rejection due to pregnancy or origin allowed?

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Such reasons can be discriminatory and problematic under anti-discrimination law; document and seek advice.

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Which authority handles tenancy disputes?

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Tenancy disputes are usually heard first at the local court (Amtsgericht); higher decisions may involve the regional court or the Federal Court.

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How-To

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1. Collect all evidence: application documents, credit proofs and all communication copies.
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2. Draft a short template letter to report the rejection and send it by registered mail or email with read receipt.
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3. Note deadlines: responses from the landlord or legal actions should be timely.
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4. Seek advice (tenant association, lawyer) and consider applications for legal advice aid or legal aid for proceedings.
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Help and Support / Resources

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• [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a — gesetze-im-internet.de
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• [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
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• [3] Information on courts and jurisdictions — bmj.de
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1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a — gesetze-im-internet.de
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2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
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3. [3] Information on courts and jurisdictions — bmj.de
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