AGG Complaint for Tenants in Germany

As a tenant in Germany you can assert your rights under the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) if you experience discrimination in housing due to origin, gender, religion, disability or similar.^[1] This guide gives clear, practical steps: which evidence matters, which deadlines to watch, how to write a template letter and when to involve the local court. The aim is that you can enforce your rights in the tenancy confidently and calmly.

What is an AGG complaint?

An AGG complaint is a written account of an incident or pattern of discrimination that you submit to your landlord or a competent authority. The AGG protects against disadvantage based on certain personal characteristics and gives affected persons a claim to remedy and possibly compensation.

When is a complaint worthwhile?

If you experience repeated unfair treatment (for example assignment to worse apartments, unequal utility billing or access restrictions) a complaint makes sense. Gather evidence, note dates and participants and first try to resolve the matter internally with the landlord.

Practical steps

• Collect evidence such as photos, messages and witness names.
• Observe deadlines: respond promptly and record all dates.
• Use a clearly structured template letter naming specific incidents and requests for remedy.
• Send the complaint preferably by registered mail or a method with proof of receipt.
• If the landlord does not respond, the next step can be a lawsuit at the competent local court.

For questions of principle consult official legal texts and note the relevant paragraphs of the BGB on tenant duties and rights.^[2]

Forms and official sources

• General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) as the legal basis for complaints.^[1]
• BGB §§ 535–580a for tenancy duties and rent reduction guidance.^[2]
• Procedures before court and jurisdiction: the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) and guidance on proceedings at local courts.^[3]
• For complex legal questions, decisions of the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) provide orientation.^[4]

FAQ

Can I reduce rent because of discrimination?

Rent reduction depends on the effect on the usability of the apartment and not directly on discrimination; assess individual cases and legal bases in the BGB.^[2]

Who do I contact first with an AGG complaint?

First try a written complaint to the landlord. If the behaviour continues, inform official bodies or consider legal steps at the local court.^[3]

What to do if the landlord retaliates?

Document incidents, seek legal advice and consider protective measures such as urgent motions or a lawsuit; the AGG protects against disadvantage.

How-To

1. Gather all evidence: photos, messages, witness statements.
2. Draft a short template letter with date, incident and requested remedy.
3. Set a reasonable deadline for response (for example 14 days) and state it in the letter.
4. Send the letter with proof (registered mail/return receipt) and keep dispatch receipts.
5. If no solution follows, prepare a lawsuit and file it at the competent local court.^[3]

Key takeaways

• Good documentation is often decisive for the success of a complaint.
• Use official legal texts and templates as the basis for claims.
• Act early and factually to avoid escalation.

Help and Support

• AGG – General Equal Treatment Act (gesetze-im-internet.de)
• BGB §535 ff. – Tenancy law (gesetze-im-internet.de)
• Federal Court of Justice – decisions and information (bundesgerichtshof.de)

1. [1] AGG – General Equal Treatment Act (gesetze-im-internet.de)
2. [2] BGB §§535–580a – Tenancy law (gesetze-im-internet.de)
3. [3] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) – court procedures (gesetze-im-internet.de)
4. [4] Federal Court of Justice – jurisprudence (bundesgerichtshof.de)