Tenant Tips: Gathering Comparable Rentals in Germany

As a tenant in Germany you often need comparable rentals to better assess rent increases, utility statements, or legal steps. This guide explains step by step which documents are useful, how to document listings and leases, and which deadlines and court contacts are relevant. I describe which documents landlords may use as comparisons, how to secure your own photos and witness records, and which official forms and laws you should know. The goal is for you to act prepared, collect evidence cleanly, and appear confidently in disputes at the local court or when seeking advice.^[3] I list official forms, show an example of a file folder and explain when it makes sense to consult legal advice or seek help from a tenants' association.

Prepare

Before you gather comparable rentals, create a file folder: organize lease, deposit receipts and previous utility statements. Note dates of listings and contacts so you can prove timing and offers. The basics of tenancy law are found in the relevant BGB paragraphs.^[1]

Important Documents

• Lease agreement (rent agreement) showing duration and rent amount.
• Rent payments and receipts (rent payments / receipts) for the relevant period.
• Utility statements (utility payment statements) from recent years.
• Listings and ads (document) saved as comparison evidence.
• Photos of the property condition (photo evidence) with date and description.
• Correspondence with the landlord (notice, letters, e‑mails) including repair requests.
• Repair requests and appointments (repair requests) with responses and deadlines.
• Entry and key handover logs (entry logs) if available.

Documenting Evidence

Document everything thoroughly: save listings as PDFs, ensure photos have date metadata, and keep a log of phone calls or viewing appointments. If repairs are missing, send a written defect notice and ask for confirmation by e‑mail or registered mail. Prepare an ordered file with an index for authorities or court if needed.

FAQ

Why should I collect comparable rentals?

Comparable rentals help prove the local comparative rent and are important for rent increases, rent reductions or when contesting a statement.

Which deadlines do I need to note?

Many deadlines are short, for example when objecting to utility statements or contesting a rent increase; check deadlines carefully and act within the specified timeframes.

Do I need legal advice or is a file folder enough?

A complete file folder is the basis; for complex disputes early legal advice or help from a tenants' association is advisable.

How-To

1. Collect listings and leases systematically (within 30 days) and record dates and sources.
2. Create digital copies and number documents, photograph the condition (photo evidence) and secure metadata.
3. Send official defect notices by e‑mail and registered mail and document deadlines (form).
4. Keep repair logs (repair) with appointments, responses and witness statements where applicable.
5. If necessary, submit ordered documents to the local court or discuss next steps with legal counsel (court).^[2]

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet: BGB §535 ff.
• Gesetze im Internet: ZPO
• Justizportal: Information about courts in Germany

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet - BGB §535 ff.
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet - ZPO
3. [3] Justizportal - Courts in Germany