what are the legal protections for renters in Germany?

 In Germany, rental contracts and housing rights are generally in favor of the tenant, providing lots of protection

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. The rental contracts are governed by the German Civil Code, and renter protection is a priority

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. Here are some of the legal protections for renters in Germany:

• Tenants in Germany are protected from retaliatory eviction
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• Landlords must comply with strict legislation and are only allowed to evict tenants in very restricted circumstances
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• Short-term contracts for unfurnished apartments in Germany are very rare
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• Renters have the right to live in a habitable apartment
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• Renters have the right to pay less rent
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• Landlords have to ensure that the unit remains in good condition, and the renter has to notify the landlord of any deficiencies not commensurate with reasonable wear and tear, and the landlord has to remedy these deficiencies quickly
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• Legally, the landlord cannot increase the rent within the first 12 months of the tenancy contract, or by more than 20% (15% in some federal states) over a three-year period
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• German rental laws protect tenants from unreasonable claims from the landlord and allow lease termination only on specific grounds
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• Most German cities and towns have a local tenants’ association that will be able to help renters on all matters housing-related, including legal advice and negotiating with landlords
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It is important to note that the rights and obligations set out in a rental contract are legally binding, so renters need to carefully consider their options and study the clauses of the rental agreement before signing

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