AGG Complaint for Tenants in Germany: Documents

As a tenant in Germany, discrimination can occur when accessing housing or in contract terms. This guide explains which documents, evidence and deadlines you should collect for an AGG complaint with indicia^[1], how to prepare formal steps and which courts are responsible^[2]. We list concrete forms, show practical example actions (e.g., a letter to the landlord) and explain when a procedure before the local court or further to the regional court is advisable. The language stays deliberately simple so you as a tenant can understand your rights and respond within deadlines^[3]. At the end you will find a simple step-by-step guide and answers to common questions about preparing a complaint.

Which documents & evidence to collect

Gather all documents that show indicia of unequal treatment. Arrange them chronologically and note the date and time of each relevant action.

• Photos and messages (Beweis/evidence) – Screenshots of chats, emails or listings showing discriminatory statements or refusals.
• Rent payments (rent) – Bank statements and receipts documenting payment history and any arrears.
• Complaint letters & forms (form) – Your complaint letter to the landlord and relevant official forms.
• Dates and deadlines (deadline) – Note deadlines, appointments and the days until the landlord’s response.

Deadlines and formal steps

Pay attention to deadlines for formal complaints and possible lawsuits. A prior written request to the landlord often helps before taking legal action.

• Track deadlines (deadline) – Set personal deadlines, e.g., 14 days for a response to a formal complaint.
• Send complaint in writing (form) – Send a clear letter by registered mail with return receipt or by courier.
• Consider court action (court) – If no agreement is possible, a lawsuit at the competent local court may be considered.

How courts handle housing disputes

Housing disputes usually start at the local court; many eviction or damages cases are heard there. On appeal a case can go to the regional court and possibly to the Federal Court of Justice. Procedural rules are in the Civil Procedure Code and substantive tenancy rules are in the BGB.

FAQ

Who is responsible if I want to complain about discrimination in housing access?

For tenancy disputes, the local court is usually responsible; regional courts and the Federal Court of Justice are relevant for fundamental legal questions.

How quickly must I secure evidence?

Secure evidence immediately: photos, messages and payment records should be copied and dated right away so no information is lost.

Are there official forms for an AGG complaint?

There is no single nationwide standard form for every situation; use a written complaint letter and refer to the AGG and specific incidents and evidence.

How-To

1. Collect evidence (evidence): photos, emails, messages and witness statements in chronological order.
2. Note deadlines (deadline): set response deadlines for the landlord and document all replies.
3. Send a formal complaint (form): draft a letter demanding remedy and send it by registered mail.
4. If needed: file a lawsuit at the local court and submit documents according to the Civil Procedure Code.

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet: AGG – Act on Equal Treatment
• Gesetze im Internet: BGB §535 – Landlord obligations
• Gesetze im Internet: ZPO – Code of Civil Procedure

1. [1] Gesetz über die Gleichbehandlung (AGG) - gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] BGB §535 - Pflichten des Vermieters - gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] ZPO - Zivilprozessordnung - gesetze-im-internet.de