Tenants Report Changes Digitally in Germany

Many tenants in Germany must regularly report changes — for example a new address, changed income affecting housing benefit, or updated bank details for rent payments. Doing this digitally saves time, but mistakes can jeopardize your entitlement to subsidies or lead to reminders. This guide explains step by step which data you as a tenant should report, which deadlines apply and which official forms make sense. It shows how to document submissions securely, which proofs are necessary and which authorities and courts disputes may be brought before. The goal is to give you clear, practical steps so you can submit changes correctly and on time digitally in Germany.

What you need to change

• New address and delivery address (registration at the residents' registration office).
• Income changes to report (housing benefit, rent subsidies, salary changes).
• Changed bank details for rent payments and reimbursements.
• Household composition (new household members, move‑outs, subtenants).
• Report damages and necessary repairs if habitability is affected.

How to report changes digitally

Use your municipality's official e‑services or the respective authority portals. For housing benefit and rent subsidies, a completed housing benefit application with income proofs is often sufficient; the responsible housing benefit office in many cities now accepts digital submissions.^[2] For time‑sensitive notifications (e.g., move‑out, termination) you should also keep proof of transmission.

Important forms and when to use them

• Housing benefit application: When your income decreases and you need subsidies; example: report salary reduction, upload documents and save the confirmation.
• Application for a housing entitlement certificate (WBS): For entitlement to subsidized housing at the responsible housing office.
• Report of defects/repairs: Send via portal or e‑mail to the property management with photos as proof.
• Eviction suit or formal court documents: If a legal dispute arises, submit documents to the local court; observe the deadlines in the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO).^[3]

Practical workflow: scan or photograph all proofs in good quality, save PDF copies and create a short list of submitted documents with date and recipient. Many authorities now offer upload forms or secure e‑mail addresses; check the requirements on the respective authority page and use encrypted e‑mail options when transmitting sensitive data.

Practical example: income change for housing benefit

You receive a salary reduction. Steps: 1) Collect documents (payslips before/after). 2) Complete the housing benefit application and upload income proofs. 3) Save the submission confirmation. 4) Wait for the decision and, if necessary, file an objection in time. The exact procedure can be found at the responsible housing benefit office or on official information pages.^[2]

FAQ

Who must report changes?

Any tenant who experiences address, income, or household composition changes, especially when housing benefit or other subsidies are affected.

How quickly must I report changes?

Reports should be submitted without delay; for deadlines (e.g., for housing benefit or legal steps) specific timeframes apply under statutory rules.^[1]

Which proofs do I need for income changes?

Payslips, notices about unemployment benefits or other income proofs, and bank statements as required by the authority.

Which court do I contact in case of dispute?

Tenancy disputes are usually heard in the competent local court (Amtsgericht) in the first instance; procedural rules of the ZPO apply.

How-To

1. Gather documents: prepare all relevant proofs as PDF or photo files.
2. Fill in forms: correctly and completely fill out the housing benefit application or other official forms.
3. Submit digitally: use portal upload or send e‑mail to the official address and save the confirmation.
4. Note deadlines: enter received deadlines in your calendar and keep submission receipts.
5. If problems occur, seek contact: contact the housing office, housing benefit office or legal advice.

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – tenancy law provisions
• Information about housing benefit and application procedures
• Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) – court procedures

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet: Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
2. [2] Bundesregierung: Wohngeldinformationen und Antragswege
3. [3] Gesetze im Internet: Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)