Tenants: Documents and Deadlines in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, it is important to have well-structured documents and timely steps in complex cases such as deposit disputes, rent increases or eviction. This text clearly explains which records you should collect, which deadlines apply under tenancy law and which official authorities and forms to use. We cover how to use BGH rulings and sections of the BGB sensibly, what an eviction lawsuit at the local court means, and how to document deadlines to protect your rights. If unsure, use tenant associations or advisory centers to review forms and understand court deadlines; we show concrete examples step by step.

Which documents do tenants need?

• Lease agreement (rent document) – complete copy of all pages and annexes.
• Security deposit records (deposit) – transfer receipts and bank statements.
• Termination letters / correspondence (notice) – record date, proof of receipt or registered mail.
• Photos and defect reports (photo evidence) – record date and a short description.
• Written warnings or court filings (court) – collect all court mail and service documents.

Keep digital and paper copies separately and name files with date and content. A simple deadline list with calendar reminders helps with important dates.

Important deadlines

• Check rent increase timing (deadline) – statutory basis is in the BGB and the period depends on the increase procedure.^[1]
• Rent reduction: report defects immediately (deadline) – notify in writing and set a time for remedy.
• Responding to lawsuits (deadline) – observe court dates and service deadlines under the ZPO.^[2]
• Eviction action: deadlines for objection and enforcement steps follow the ZPO and court schedules.

Record the date of receipt for each communication and set reminders several days before expiry. Missing a deadline can limit your rights.

How to use BGH rulings and statutes

BGH decisions often provide interpretive guidance for complex disputes; check whether a ruling fits your case and note the citation. Statutory provisions in the BGB on tenancy (§§ 535–580a) describe landlord and tenant duties and rights.^[1] If eviction is threatened, the ZPO shows the procedure from claim to enforcement.^[2]

FAQ

What deadline do I have to respond to an eviction lawsuit?

Answer: Respond immediately; exact deadlines are indicated in the service and the ZPO governs the deadlines.^[2]

Can I reduce rent immediately for defects?

Answer: Rent reduction is possible, but you should report the defect in writing, set a remedy deadline for the landlord and collect evidence.^[1]

Where can I find BGH decisions on tenancy law?

Answer: BGH rulings are available on the Federal Court of Justice website; check decisions with similar facts.

How-To

1. Step 1: Collect all relevant documents (lease, correspondence, photos).
2. Step 2: Create a deadline list with receipt and expiry dates.
3. Step 3: Contact an advisory center or tenant association before important deadlines expire.
4. Step 4: For court steps, check service, prepare documents and consider legal help.

Practical example: For a notified rent increase, note the letter date, save the copy, set a deadline for queries and seek tenant association advice.

Help and Support / Resources

• Federal Court of Justice – Decisions (court)
• Gesetze im Internet – BGB §§ 535–580a (document)
• Federal Ministry of Justice – Information and forms (form)
• Judicial portals of the federal states – Court contacts (help)

1. [1] German Civil Code (BGB) — Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) — Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice — Decisions and information
4. [4] Federal Ministry of Justice — Information and form offerings