AGG Complaint 2025: Tenant Tips Germany
What is an AGG complaint?
An AGG complaint is the report of discrimination under the General Equal Treatment Act that affects a tenancy. Tenants should know that the AGG provides protection against discrimination and that tenancy duties are also regulated in the BGB[1][2]. A complaint can be filed with the landlord, the property manager, and, if necessary, with the competent courts.
When and where to report?
Report incidents promptly in writing: note date, time, participants and concrete statements or actions. In severe or repeated cases tenants should consider a formal complaint to the property manager or direct filing at the competent local court; procedural steps follow the ZPO[3].
Which documents and forms do tenants need?
Collect evidence (photos, messages, witnesses) and prepare a short chronological account of the incident. Typical documents are a written complaint to the landlord, a documentation file, and if necessary a complaint to be filed with the court according to the ZPO[3]. Examples:
- Written complaint to the landlord: brief, date, incident, requested remedy.
- Evidence folder: photos, messages, witness statements.
- Draft complaint (if necessary): claim, reasoning, legal references to AGG/BGB.
Practical example: sample procedure
A tenant reports repeated discrimination by the property manager. Step 1: written complaint to the manager with a deadline. Step 2: collect evidence and witness confirmations. Step 3: if no remedy, file a complaint at the local court or seek official advice. Larger legal issues can be appealed up to the BGH[4].
Frequently Asked Questions
- What counts as discrimination under the AGG?
- Discrimination occurs when a person is disadvantaged because of race, ethnic origin, gender, religion, disability, age, or sexual identity; in tenancy contexts this may include rejection of an application or unequal contract terms.
- Do I have to inform the landlord in writing first?
- Yes, in most cases you should first inform the landlord or management in writing and set a reasonable deadline for remedy; this strengthens your position for later legal steps.
- Which deadlines are important?
- Act promptly; deadlines from the BGB and ZPO may be short depending on the measure. For court claims, observe the regular limitation and filing deadlines.
How-To
- Write a clear complaint with date, incident description and requested remedy.
- Collect evidence: photos, messages and witness statements.
- Set a reasonable deadline for the landlord to respond.
- If no remedy, file a complaint at the competent local court or seek legal advice.
- Use official contact points for advice and support.
Key Takeaways
- Always complain in writing and set deadlines.
- Keep comprehensive evidence organized in one place.
- Observe procedural deadlines and act promptly.
