Tenants: Collect Comparable Apartments in Germany

As a tenant in Germany you often need comparable apartments to challenge an excessive rent, an operating costs statement or a rent increase. This text explains step by step which details matter, how to find suitable comparable apartments, which evidence to collect and how to meet deadlines. I describe practical examples, sensible documentation and useful forms so you can effectively assert your tenant rights. The information also shows which courts and authorities are responsible and when consulting the local court or legal representation makes sense. The goal is to give tenants clear, actionable steps. Read on for sample letters, deadline overviews and guidance on evidence such as photos, leases and utility bills.

What are comparable apartments?

Comparable apartments are similar rental units in location, size and amenities that you use to demonstrate the market rent. Such comparisons help to review and prove a rent claim or rent increase. Legal foundations are found in the tenancy law sections of the BGB^[1].

What information should you collect?

• Amount of current rent and comparable offers, plus payment receipts and bank statements.
• Copy of the lease agreement, attachments and agreements on operating costs.
• Photos and descriptions of defects, damages or condition at move-in and now.
• Date of listings and offers, listing date and deadlines for objections or lawsuits.
• Exact details on location, living area, room count and energy certificate of comparable apartments.
• Correspondence with the landlord, witness statements and contact details of property providers.

How to find comparable apartments (Practical steps)

1. Start searching: record listing date, price, size and location of comparable apartments in the same city or neighborhood.
2. Collect evidence: take photos, save listings as PDFs or screenshots and secure payment receipts.
3. Create documentation: make a comparison table with clear details on amenities, operating costs and differences.
4. Organize proofs: sort rent payments, deposit receipts and utility bills chronologically.
5. Contact the landlord: request clarification or correction in writing (email/letter) and set a deadline.
6. If no agreement: prepare documents for proceedings and clarify jurisdiction of the local court.

If you challenge: deadlines and forms

Before going to court, set a written deadline for the landlord to respond or correct. For court actions use the complaint forms and observe the ZPO rules^[2]. Examples of commonly needed letters include a written objection to a statement and a civil claim form for the local court. Practical templates such as a sample termination letter or an application for a payment order can be helpful; check official forms and guidance from justice authorities^[3]. For example: write a short dated letter to the landlord with a clear 14-day deadline and the documents for the comparable apartments.

FAQ

What is a comparable apartment?

A comparable apartment is a similar rental unit in location, size and amenities used to assess market rents.

How many comparable apartments do I need?

In practice, three to five meaningful comparable apartments are helpful; the quality of comparability and documentation matters.

Where do tenants submit evidence?

In court proceedings you submit evidence to the competent local court; beforehand provide all relevant documents to the landlord in writing.

How-To

1. Select 3–5 comparable apartments and record price, size, location and listing date.
2. Collect evidence: photos, screenshots of listings, lease and payment receipts.
3. Send a written notice to the landlord with a deadline and attached evidence.
4. If no agreement: file a claim at the competent local court and use the complaint form.
5. Prepare a clear cost overview and check eligibility for legal aid.

Help and Support

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) - Gesetze im Internet
• Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) - Gesetze im Internet
• Information on courts and forms - justiz.de

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a - gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) - gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Justice portal: information on courts and forms - justiz.de