Tenant Rights in Germany: Correct Application Answers

As a tenant in Germany it can happen that questions on an application form are filled in inaccurately, ambiguously or incorrectly. These details often affect the rental decision, so it is important to know how you can request corrections afterwards, which proofs are useful and which deadlines apply. In this guide I explain in practical terms how to collect evidence, which authorities and courts are responsible and which official forms you can use. The aim is to give tenants in Germany concrete steps to ensure that errors in the application form are clarified transparently and your rights are preserved. I name the relevant sections of the BGB, show how to secure photos and correspondence, and how to make a formal correction to the landlord or housing company. At the end you will find a step-by-step guide, checklist and pointers to official contacts.

What to do if questions on the application form are incorrect?

Incorrect or misleading entries on the application form can influence your chances of getting a flat. First, stay calm, collect all relevant documents and check whether it is an actual error or a different interpretation. Legally, general tenancy law provisions apply in Germany, notably the obligations from the German Civil Code (BGB) for tenancy relationships.^[1] Inform the landlord in writing about the error and request a correction or explanation.

Practical steps

• Gather evidence (photos, documents, evidence): secure photos, emails, payment slips and notes.
• Inform the landlord in writing (form): send a brief polite correction by email or registered mail.
• Observe deadlines (days): often respond or file formalities within a few days.
• If disputed, contact the local court (court): tenancy claims are usually heard in the local court in the first instance.^[2]

If the landlord refuses the correction, check whether the entry was material to the contract decision. Minor inaccuracies can often be explained with additional documents; for contentious or prejudicial entries a formal correction may be necessary. Use clear wording, date and sign letters, and keep copies.

Forms and official steps

There is no single nationwide "correction form", but template letters and forms from the federal ministry and judicial portals help with formal steps. For a formal statement use a letter with subject, date, your contact details, the incorrect entry and the desired correction. Keep registered mail receipts and proof of dispatch. For court proceedings the rules of the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) apply.

FAQ

Can I correct questions on the application form afterwards?

Yes. Inform the landlord in writing and provide evidence; if necessary you can request a formal correction or consider legal remedies.

Does the landlord have to accept a correction?

Not always. The landlord can review a correction; in case of disagreement evidence is important and the local court may be competent.

Which evidence is useful?

Photos, emails, bank statements, employer statements and correspondence with previous landlords are particularly useful.

How-To

1. Collect all relevant evidence (photos, documents, evidence) and arrange it chronologically.
2. Draft a short correction letter (form) stating the desired correction and attach evidence.
3. Send the letter with proof of dispatch (registered mail or confirmed email) and note the sending date.
4. If no agreement is reached, consider legal action at the competent local court (court) or seek advice.^[2]

Help and Support / Resources

• German Civil Code (BGB) §§535–580a – gesetze-im-internet.de
• Justice Portal of the Federal States – justiz.de
• Federal Ministry of Justice – bmj.de

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1. [1] German Civil Code (BGB) – gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Justice Portal of the Federal States – justiz.de
3. [3] Federal Ministry of Justice (BMJ) – bmj.de