Tenants: Digital Signature & Proofs in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, you may face questions about the evidentiary value of digital signatures and securing proof when a lease is extended. This article explains in clear language when electronic signatures and digital messages count as evidence, which deadlines to watch, and how to collect reliable proof. We list official legal bases, provide practical daily steps, and name the competent courts. The goal is for you, as a tenant, to better assess your claims, avoid missing important deadlines, and be prepared in case of a dispute.

When are digital signatures legally relevant?

Digital signatures can replace contractual elements or proof if the parties agree or the document contains the required content. For many everyday tenancy matters, a simple electronic signature is sufficient, while more formal declarations may require stricter standards. In addition, general tenancy and contract law rules of the BGB apply ^[1].

Which proofs are important for tenants?

When extending a lease, collect the following proofs to avoid later misunderstandings:

• Written contract drafts, signed agreements, emails with clarifications or confirmations.
• Forms or addendum agreements: note date and sender.
• Deadline evidence: timestamps, delivery receipts, or logs that document deadlines.
• Repair and condition documentation if extensions are tied to apartment condition or defects.

Forms, deadlines and formal requirements

Some declarations in tenancy law do not require a special form; others, such as extraordinary terminations or withdrawals, have deadlines and formal requirements. For court procedures, the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) regulates filing and service rules ^[2]. Check whether the lease extension requires written form or if an electronic message suffices.

Practical notes on deadlines

• Record send and receive dates digitally and, if possible, also on paper.
• Create a short overview of deadlines for objections, terminations or consents.

What to do in dispute: Courts and procedure

Disputes about extensions or contract interpretation are usually handled by local courts (Amtsgericht); appeals go to regional courts (Landgericht) and ultimately the Federal Court of Justice (BGH). The ZPO governs procedural issues like lawsuits and eviction claims ^[2], while tenancy law is found in §§ 535–580a BGB ^[1]. Before suing, send a written request to the landlord and collect all evidence.

Important forms and templates

As a tenant, it helps to use prewritten letters, e.g., a written confirmation for a lease extension or a template for termination or objection. Official templates and information are available from federal justice pages and court sites; adapt templates to your case.

FAQ

Are digital signatures valid for lease extensions?

Yes, if the parties agree or the electronic form meets legal requirements; courts assess evidentiary weight case by case.

Which proofs should I collect?

Signed agreements, emails, delivery receipts, logs and photos of the apartment condition are useful.

Anleitung

1. Collect all digital and paper proofs related to the extension (emails, signatures, addendum agreements).
2. Prepare a short written confirmation with date and send it by traceable delivery.
3. Document all deadlines in an overview and set reminders.
4. If necessary: prepare a complaint or lawsuit and seek advice from the local court or an official advisory office.

Hilfe und Unterstützung / Ressourcen

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — gesetze-im-internet.de
• Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
• Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) — bundesgerichtshof.de

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) — bundesgerichtshof.de