Tenant Rights: Termination in Germany 2025

Many tenants in Germany are unsure how to respond to a termination, especially in protected districts. This guide explains in plain language which rights tenants have, which deadlines apply and which official forms are used. You will learn common mistakes that make defending harder and receive a practical checklist for immediate steps: documentation, meeting deadlines and contacting official bodies. Examples show how to review a termination letter and when an eviction lawsuit threatens. The aim is to make tenants more confident so they understand their rights and can decide whether legal action or a discussion with the landlord is more appropriate. We name local courts and relevant statutory provisions.

What applies to termination in protected districts?

Essentially, the Civil Code (BGB) regulates the rights of tenants; in particular the provisions on landlord obligations and terminations are relevant (§§ 535–580a BGB). ^[1] For a justified ordinary termination by the landlord, § 573 BGB is central. ^[2] Protected districts may include municipal rules on use or restructuring, but they do not automatically change the statutory grounds for termination.

Common mistakes tenants make

• Failing to check or missing deadlines such as termination or appeal deadlines.
• Insufficient documentation: no photos, no emails or no visit records.
• Filling forms incorrectly or submitting them late, for example objections or applications.
• Underestimating the legal process and missing deadlines for filing a claim; jurisdiction is usually the local court.

How to contest a termination — practical checklist

• Collect evidence: photos, messages, payment receipts and correspondence in an organized way.
• Check deadlines: immediately note termination and objection deadlines.
• Prepare official forms and fill them out correctly; use official templates as guidance.^[1]
• Identify the responsible local court in case of an eviction lawsuit.^[3]
• Seek legal advice or tenant counseling early to weigh options.

Forms and templates

Important forms and templates tenants should know:

• Landlord's termination letter (check formality and content). A tenant can review the letter for formal errors and document it.
• Tenant's objection or statement (short dated letter with attachments). Example: briefly describe the situation, attach photos and request further information.
• Statement of claim for eviction (to be filed at court; clearly state which rights were violated). Use official templates for orientation.^[2]

Typical steps in a dispute

If negotiations with the landlord do not help, the next steps are:

• Observe deadlines: respond within statutory time limits.
• Submit evidence: provide copies to the court or the opposing party.
• Note the file number: a file number will be assigned in court proceedings.

How-To

1. Collect evidence: photos, messages, payment receipts and witness statements.
2. Check deadlines: termination and objection deadlines.
3. Prepare forms/letters: use official templates and attach evidence.
4. If necessary, file documents at the local court or have a lawyer review a potential claim.
5. Seek legal advice from tenant counseling or an attorney experienced in tenancy law.

Help and Support

• Civil Code (BGB) - Gesetze im Internet
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) - Decisions
• Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection (BMJV)

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1. [1] Gesetze im Internet: Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet: § 573 BGB Kündigung des Vermieters
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof: Decisions and tenancy law guidance