Tenants: Report Changes Legally in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, you may need to inform your landlord of changes — for example new roommates, financial changes or planned alterations. This guide explains clearly and practically which changes are relevant, which deadlines apply and which documents you should collect. I explain step by step how to write a legally secure written notification, which wordings are sensible and how to observe deadlines and objection rights. I also name important legal bases (Sections 535 60a BGB, ZPO)^[1][2] and typical forms as well as examples of how to document evidence securely. Read on for sample wordings, deadline examples and practical evidence tips.

When must tenants notify changes?

In principle: relevant circumstances that affect the tenancy should be communicated to the landlord promptly in writing. These include, among others, the following points:

• New bank details or changed rent payment (rent): inform the landlord immediately to avoid mispostings.
• Change in household composition (notice): e.g. move-in or move-out of roommates should be announced in writing.
• Structural changes or renovations (repair): ask for approval in advance if the measure alters the rental object.
• Changes affecting subsidies or housing benefit (evidence): income changes often trigger reporting duties at the housing allowance office.

How do I write a legally secure notification?

A written notification should be clear, dated and signed. State the reason, the affected data and a clear requested action (e.g. "Please transfer rent from 01.05.2025 to the following account"). Attach relevant evidence and request an acknowledgment of receipt.

• Date and subject (notice): always state at the top, e.g. "Notification of new bank details".
• Attach proof (evidence): bank statement or bank confirmation as PDF or copy.
• Set a deadline (deadline): if necessary, state a short deadline, e.g. "Please confirm within 14 days".

Sample wordings and forms

Phrase briefly and unambiguously; avoid emotions. Example: "I hereby notify that from 01.05.2025 the rent should be transferred to the following account: IBAN ... . Please confirm receipt in writing." Relevant forms are usually available from the competent municipal office or court; for housing benefit and the WBS apply to the housing benefit office or the housing authority of your city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to notify the landlord of every change?

Not every private change is subject to notification; relevant changes are those that affect rent, use of the apartment or the contractual relationship. In case of doubt, inform in writing.^[1]

How quickly must I react?

Unless another deadline is set by law, act without delay. For payment issues, notification should be immediate; for structural changes allow reasonable notice.^[2]

Which courts are competent in case of dispute?

Minor tenancy disputes are dealt with at the competent local court (Amtsgericht); appeals go to the regional court (Landgericht) and possibly the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) as the highest remedy.^[3]

How-To

1. Step 1: Document the facts briefly and note the date (notice).
2. Step 2: Scan or copy relevant evidence and attach to the notification (evidence).
3. Step 3: Specify a deadline or expected action, e.g. confirmation within 14 days (deadline).
4. Step 4: Send the notification by registered mail or by email with read receipt and request an acknowledgment (contact).
5. Step 5: If there is no response, document contact attempts and consider legal action at the local court (court).

Help and Support / Resources

• [1] Bfcrgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) - Gesetze im Internet
• [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) - Gesetze im Internet
• [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) - Official decisions

1. [1] BGB - Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] ZPO - Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof - Official decisions