Avoid AGG Complaint Mistakes for Tenants in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, you can use the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) to challenge discrimination. This text explains in clear language which mistakes commonly occur with AGG complaints and how to avoid them. You will receive concrete advice on documentation, deadlines, official forms and the procedure before the local court. The guide is aimed at tenants without legal knowledge and shows simple, practical steps: which evidence is important, how to write your complaint clearly and which authorities or courts are responsible. At the end you will find a step-by-step guide, frequently asked questions and official contact points for support.

What does an AGG complaint mean in the rental context?

An AGG complaint reports that a person was disadvantaged because of attributes such as origin, gender, religion or disability. In a tenancy this can occur when an offer of accommodation is refused, treatment differs in service charge accounting or rules are applied inconsistently. Describe clearly when and how the disadvantage occurred and what consequences it had for you.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Incomplete documentation: missing photos, messages or witness statements means important evidence is absent.
• No correct dates and locations: note exact timestamps and circumstances for each observed discrimination.
• Missing deadlines: many response or objection deadlines are short, so react within an appropriate time.
• Not reporting officially: submit complaints in writing and keep copies as proof.
• No indication of the competent authority: rental disputes are usually heard by the local court.

How to structure evidence sensibly

Create a simple list with date, time, place, involved persons and a short description of the incident. Add evidence: photos, emails, SMS, WhatsApp threads or witness names. Highlight relevant parts in documents and include a copy of your current rental agreement.

Forms and official steps

There is no uniform "AGG rental complaint form" from the states, but you can use standard templates to provide the essential information in a structured way. For formal proceedings, general letters to the landlord or property management are written; for court actions a written complaint must be filed at the competent local court. Note: tenancy duties and rights are found in the Civil Code (BGB) and specific provisions in the AGG.^[1][2]

FAQ

Who is responsible for rental disputes due to discrimination?

The local court (Amtsgericht) is generally responsible for civil rental disputes; in more complex cases the regional court or the Federal Court of Justice may be involved.

What deadlines apply to a complaint?

Specific deadlines vary by procedure; act promptly, document incidents immediately and seek legal advice early if necessary.

Which forms do I need?

For out-of-court complaints a written complaint to the landlord or administration suffices. For court proceedings a complaint must be filed at the local court.

How-To

1. Gather evidence: photos, message threads and witnesses with date and time.
2. Draft a clear complaint letter to the landlord or property manager and request a response.
3. Set a reasonable deadline for a reply (e.g. 14 days) and document the delivery.
4. Seek help from official bodies or legal protection if the landlord does not respond.
5. If necessary: file a lawsuit at the competent local court and present your collected evidence.

Help and Support

• AGG text — Gesetze im Internet
• BGB §§ 535–580a — Gesetze im Internet
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH)

1. [1] Civil Code (BGB) — Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) — Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice — Decisions