What to record after a notice for own use
After the notice, deadlines are running, and every detail can count later. Your documents should include at least:
| Detail | Example | In the app |
|---|---|---|
| Notice letter and deadline | received on Apr 12, move out by Oct 31 | deadlines |
| Stated reason | apartment for the landlord's daughter | incidents and timeline |
| Your hardship reasons | 30 years in the apartment, walking disability | hardship reasons |
| Inconsistencies | apartment is advertised online at the same time | incident with date and photo |
| Apartment search | rejections from three landlords | documents |
| Correspondence | letter to the landlord dated Apr 20 | documents with date |
You can also write this down on paper. How to decide is covered further down under "Folder or app?"
Own use and objection: what counts legally
In Germany, own use is a legally recognized reason for giving notice. Under § 573(2) no. 2 of the Civil Code (BGB), the landlord can give notice if they need the apartment for themselves, family members or members of their household. The notice must state the reason specifically. The notice periods under § 573c BGB get longer the longer you have lived in the apartment.
Under § 574 BGB you can object if moving out would mean unreasonable hardship for you, your family or your household, for example in old age, illness, pregnancy or if no suitable replacement housing can be found. § 574a BGB governs how the tenancy can then be continued.
Whether a notice is valid or an objection succeeds depends on the individual case. Pretended own use also happens and can only be refuted with evidence. Contact a tenants' association or a lawyer specializing in tenancy law early, and keep an eye on the deadline for objecting.
What to do after the notice
- Read the notice carefully: are the reason and the person who will benefit named specifically?
- Write down the notice period and the deadline for objecting right away.
- Collect evidence on health, age, length of tenancy and your apartment search.
- Record everything that casts doubt on the stated need.
- Get advice early, while the deadlines can still be met.
Folder or app?
A folder with copies and a note with deadlines cost nothing and can be enough. But screenshots, emails and photos are usually scattered, and in the advice meeting the one sheet you need is missing.
In the app, photos and documents are attached to the matching incident, and everything is in chronological order. The app reminds you about your apartment search.
| Merkmal | Paper template | App |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | none | free with ads, PDF as a one-time purchase |
| Apartment search | remember it yourself | with reminder |
| Photos and screenshots | print them separately | filed with the incident |
| Order | sort it yourself | chronological |
| Sharing | bring the folder | share the PDF |
What the app costs
no subscriptionbuy once
Recording is completely free. The free version shows ads. A one-time purchase in the Play Store unlocks the PDF and removes the ads. There is no subscription.
Common questions about notice for own use
What do I do first after a notice for own use?
Keep the deadline in view and collect what you have: the notice itself, possible hardship reasons and every sign that calls the own use into question. Then take it to a tenants' association or a lawyer.
Which hardship reasons can I record?
Typical ones are old age, illness, a very long tenancy, children at school or deep roots in the neighborhood. You record each reason with a description and attach proof such as medical certificates.
The apartment is advertised shortly after the notice. What should I do?
Take a screenshot and file it with the date as an incident. An ad like this can call the claimed own use into question. What it means in your case is for the lawyer to assess.
Can I share my collection as a PDF?
Yes. The PDF (one-time purchase) contains incidents, hardship reasons, photos and correspondence in chronological order.
Does the app replace legal advice?
No. The app organizes your documents. The legal assessment is done by a tenants' association or a lawyer.
Does the app work without internet?
Yes, recording works offline. Your entries stay on your device, and you do not need an account.
This app is made by ReiVi, the app label of Viktor Reinik from Freilassing, Germany. Every ReiVi app does exactly one job and works without an account. Who is behind ReiVi (in German)
View on Google PlayLegal basis (Germany): § 573(2) no. 2 BGB (own use), § 573c BGB (notice periods), § 574 BGB (objection on grounds of hardship), § 574a BGB (continuation of the tenancy). This page is not legal advice. If you receive a notice for own use, a tenants' association or a lawyer specializing in tenancy law can help; keep an eye on the deadline for objecting. Updated on October 26, 2026.
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