Tenants 2025: Furnished Rentals Safely in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, you often face specific pitfalls with furnished housing: unclear inventory lists, excessively high or misused deposits, missing rules on utility costs and imprecise notice periods. This article explains in practical terms which typical mistakes to avoid in furnished rentals in 2025, how to review your lease, enforce rights in case of defects or termination, and which official forms or courts are responsible. Use the checklists, document defects systematically and respond within deadlines to avoid legal disadvantages. The guidance is based on German tenancy law and relevant regulations so that you as a tenant can act securely and informed.

What tenants should watch for

First check the lease for clear information on inventory, rental period, notice periods and utility charges. Make sure all agreements are in writing and inventory lists are signed. If in doubt, consult the legal provisions on the rental contract and landlord obligations.^[1]

Typical mistakes in furnished rentals

• No clear deposit arrangement (deposit): amount, interest and purpose not recorded in writing.
• Missing or inaccurate inventory list (record): condition of furniture not documented.
• Flat-rate utility charges (payment) agreed without detailed breakdown.
• Notice periods not observed (deadline): deadlines and form of termination are unclear.
• Repairs and heating costs (repair) not clearly assigned or documented.

Forms, courts and legal foundations

Important legal foundations can be found in the BGB on landlord and tenant obligations and in the ZPO for court proceedings.^[1][2]In case of disputes, the local court (Amtsgericht) is usually competent in the first instance; the Federal Court of Justice decides on fundamental legal questions.^[3]

Important forms and templates

• Termination letter (tenant): no uniform form required; use a written, signed declaration.
• Complaint / claim form for eviction: form requirements and filing depend on the local judiciary.
• Handover protocol and inventory list: create manually and document condition with photos.

How-To

1. Check the lease thoroughly for duration, notice periods and inventory list (form).
2. Create a detailed handover protocol with photos upon move-in (evidence).
3. Report defects in writing and set a deadline for remedy (repair).
4. Respond within statutory or contractual deadlines, for example to termination notices or utility statements (deadline).
5. If necessary: file a lawsuit or seek legal advice; eviction claims are usually handled by the local court (court).

FAQ

Can the landlord charge higher rent for furnished rental?

Yes, landlords can generally charge higher rent, especially when furniture is provided; but the rent amount must be clearly agreed and must not violate legal provisions.

What should I do if there is no inventory list?

Record the condition at move-in in writing and with photos and ask the landlord to complete the list; keep all receipts and records.

What notice periods apply?

Statutory notice periods are governed by the BGB; individual agreements may deviate, so check your contract carefully.

Key Takeaways

• Written inventory lists and handover protocols prevent later disputes.
• Observe notice periods and reply to correspondence on time.
• Document defects with photos and written reports.

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB (Civil Code) on gesetze-im-internet.de
• ZPO (Code of Civil Procedure) on gesetze-im-internet.de
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – bundesgerichtshof.de

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a – gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) – gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) – bundesgerichtshof.de