Tenants: Notify WG Changes Correctly in Germany
As a tenant in Germany, you should know how to correctly notify changes in a shared flat (WG). Whether roommates move in or out, cost shares change, or the living arrangement is shortened: proper notifications protect your rights and prevent disputes with the landlord or roommates. This text explains which deadlines apply, which steps to take immediately and which official forms are relevant. We show practical examples, necessary documentation and common mistakes so you can react in time and present evidence if needed.
What applies to changes in a WG?
In general, tenants must inform the landlord if the composition of the tenants changes or someone permanently moves out, because this can affect the rental agreement or the use of the apartment. If unclear, check the rental contract for clauses on subletting and roommates. Registration obligations at the residents' registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt) must be fulfilled separately. If housing allowance or social benefits are received, those offices must also be notified of changes.
Important steps after a change
- Inform the landlord in writing, preferably by registered mail or email with read receipt.
- Inform roommates in writing about changes to cost sharing and document new agreements.
- Create move-in and move-out reports, take photos of meter readings and key handover.
- Notify housing allowance or subsidy offices about changed household sizes and submit required forms.
- Regulate key handovers and access rules in writing, especially for subletting situations.
A common mistake is discussing changes only verbally. Verbal agreements are hard to prove. Save all messages, payment receipts and reports. If changes cause additional costs or alter the use of space, check whether landlord consent is required.
Legal bases and deadlines
German tenancy law in the BGB regulates obligations of landlord and tenant, such as maintenance and termination duties[1]. Procedural matters in disputes are governed by the Civil Procedure Code (ZPO) and local courts (Amtsgerichte) are competent in the first instance; Federal Court of Justice (BGH) decisions form important precedents[2][3]. Important deadlines are in the rental contract or arise from statutory rules, so check deadlines immediately after receiving a notice or request.
FAQ
- Do I have to inform the landlord if a roommate moves out?
- Yes, inform the landlord in writing, especially if the rental contract regulates the number of occupants or consent to subletting.
- How quickly must I report changes?
- Notifications should be made immediately; some applications or objections have tight deadlines, so respond within days or weeks depending on the request.
- What documents are important?
- Move-in and move-out reports, signed agreements, payment receipts and photos are the most important evidence.
How-To
- Inform the landlord in writing within a few days after becoming aware of the change, briefly explain the situation and ask for confirmation.
- Create a move-in or move-out report with date, signatures and photos of the rooms.
- Submit required forms to relevant authorities (e.g., housing allowance office or registration office) and keep copies.
- Update payment arrangements in writing and communicate new distributions or standing orders.
- Arrange key handover and access rights and record this in a short protocol.
Key Takeaways
- Notify landlords and authorities in writing and promptly.
- Create move-in and move-out reports with photos.
- Observe deadlines to avoid losing rights.
Help and Support
- Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) § 535 ff. — gesetze-im-internet.de
- Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
- Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) — bundesgerichtshof.de
