Appeal Against Rejection: Tenants in Germany
If an application for housing allowance or rent subsidy is denied, tenants in Germany can submit a digital appeal. This article clearly explains which documents you should prepare, how to draft a proper appeal letter, and which deadlines apply. You will receive practical advice on official forms, typical evidence such as the rental agreement and proof of income, and the authorities and courts that review decisions. The aim is to provide tenants with clear steps to increase the chances that the rejection will be re‑examined.
What is an appeal and when is it sensible?
An appeal is the formal response to a written administrative decision. For housing allowance or rent subsidy denials, the appeal asks the same authority or higher instances to review the decision. Typically, an appeal is worthwhile if you believe documents were overlooked, calculations were incorrect, or deadlines and hardship cases were not considered. Pay attention to the deadline stated in the decision.
Which documents belong in the digital file?
Assemble a digital folder that contains all relevant documents. Upload files as PDF and name them clearly (e.g., "rental-agreement.pdf"). Useful documents include:
- Current rental agreement
- Rental confirmation or utility bill
- Pay slips or proof of income for recent months
- Benefit notices (e.g., unemployment benefit, pension)
- Correspondence with the authority and the rejection notice
How to draft a digital appeal?
An appeal should be brief, factual and complete. Include your name, address, the file number of the decision and the date. Explain in a few sentences why you consider the decision incorrect and refer to attached documents. Request reconsideration and notification of the result. Attach a document list.
Sample structure for an appeal letter
- Subject with file number and date
- Brief description of the request
- List of attached documents
- Signature and contact details
Deadlines, forms and responsible offices
The deadline for an appeal is stated in the rejection notice; often it is one month after receipt. Some authorities offer electronic appeal forms or accept submission by email via secure portals. If the authority rejects the appeal, the judicial route before the competent court remains. For subsidy cases related to rent, administrative rules and tenancy law provisions can both be relevant.[1] If your case involves tenancy law, the civil provisions of the BGB should be observed.[2]
Practical tips for digital submission
Use the authority's upload portal if available, otherwise send a signed email or a registered letter. Pay attention to file sizes and accepted formats. Keep a clear file and evidence structure: reference numbers, dates and short explanations in a cover list make review easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long do I have to file an appeal?
- The deadline is stated in the decision; typically it is one month from receipt.
- Can I send the appeal by email?
- Many authorities accept email or secure online portals; check the decision or the authority's website.
- What happens if the appeal is rejected?
- You can file a lawsuit before the competent court; for tenancy-related issues the local court (Amtsgericht) is often involved.[3]
How-To
- Check the rejection notice immediately for deadlines and file numbers.
- Collect all relevant documents as PDFs (rental agreement, proof of income, notices).
- Draft a brief appeal letter with plain facts and a document list.
- Submit the appeal digitally via the authority portal or by email and save proof of sending or upload.
- Wait for confirmation; if none arrives, request written confirmation.
- If rejected, prepare a court action and check deadlines, jurisdiction and possible legal advice.
Key Takeaways
- Complete digital documentation makes verification easier.
- Deadlines and formal requirements determine admissibility.
- Use official portals of authorities when available for secure submission.
Help and Support / Resources
- WoFG - Wohnraumförderungsgesetz
- BGB §§ 535–580a Tenancy Law
- Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – Tenancy Case Law
