Tenant Rights: Reporting Changes in Germany

As a tenant in Germany it is important to report changes such as address moves, income changes or household consolidations promptly. This guide explains in plain language which changes you must inform your landlord, the housing allowance office or other authorities about, which deadlines legally apply and which forms are required. Especially for students and single parents there are often special requirements or entitlements that depend on correctly reported data. We show practical steps, give examples of forms and deadlines and explain when an authority or the local court may need to be involved. This way you act lawfully and avoid disadvantages with rent, housing allowance or rental subsidies. At the end you will find FAQs, a how-to for submitting forms and links to official authorities.

Which changes should be reported?

• Change of address: Promptly notify the landlord and the housing allowance office of the new address^[1].
• Income change: Report loss of earnings, BAföG changes or parental allowance adjustments, as they can affect housing allowance or subsidies^[3].
• Household consolidation: If a partner or child moves in permanently, update the household count with the authority and possibly with the landlord.
• Bank details: Immediately provide new account details for rent payments and possible refunds.
• Change in number of household members: Important for WBS and housing allowance and for calculating utility shares.

Deadlines and evidence

Notifications should always be made in writing and include evidence, such as registration confirmations, pay slips or notices. In the case of defects in the rental property, rent reduction may apply; duties of landlord and tenant are set out in §§ 535–580a BGB^[1]. In case of dispute, the Code of Civil Procedure regulates proceedings before the local court or regional court^[2].

• Deadline: As soon as possible; many authorities require notification "without delay" or within a few weeks.
• Evidence: Registration confirmation, three months of pay slips, bank statement as proof of payment.
• Documentation: Date copies and create a short chronology of events.

Forms and official bodies

You should know important forms and authorities. Housing allowance is calculated under the Housing Promotion Act; the relevant law and guidance are important^[3]. Forms are usually available from the local housing allowance office or the ministry pages of the federal state.

• Housing allowance application (Wohngeldantrag): Form of the housing allowance office; file the application if your income decreases or household size changes. Example: A student with a BAföG change submits the housing allowance application with current income and rent breakdown^[4].
• Sample termination letter of the Federal Ministry of Justice: If you terminate or receive a termination, use sample texts as orientation and send the termination in a provable way^[5].
• WBS (residence entitlement certificate): Check entitlements and local rules at the municipal housing authority.

Example: When to inform the housing allowance office

If your gross income changes by more than 10% or a new person moves in, inform the housing allowance office within two to four weeks and attach up-to-date pay slips. This avoids reclaiming of payments.

FAQ

Do I always have to report income changes?

Yes. Income changes must be reported to the landlord and the housing allowance office because they can affect entitlements and subsidies.

What happens if I miss deadlines?

Missed deadlines can result in loss of entitlements or reclamations; act quickly and submit supporting documents.

Who decides rental disputes?

Rental disputes are usually decided by the local court; appeals go to the regional court, and higher legal questions to the Federal Court of Justice.

How-To

1. Step 1: Collect evidence: registration confirmation, pay slips and tenancy agreement.
2. Step 2: Complete the relevant form, e.g. the housing allowance application.
3. Step 3: Submit documents by registered mail or deliver them in person and note the date and contact person.
4. Step 4: Keep copies of all documents and the confirmation of receipt.
5. Step 5: Check decisions and file timely objections if necessary.

Help and Support / Resources

• Civil Code (BGB) – relevant tenancy law
• Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) – court procedures
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – tenancy case law
• Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Building – housing allowance information

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet – BGB §535
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet – ZPO
3. [3] Gesetze im Internet – Housing Promotion Act (WoFG)
4. [4] Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Building – housing allowance information
5. [5] Federal Ministry of Justice – samples and forms