AGG Complaint for Tenants in Germany: 5 Steps

As a tenant in Germany, discrimination can make housing uncertain. This guide explains in clear steps how to prepare an AGG complaint, collect evidence, set deadlines and proceed formally with the landlord or in court. I explain practical template forms, which local courts handle tenancy disputes and when a lawsuit under the ZPO makes sense. The language remains simple so you can understand your rights under the AGG and the BGB and act purposefully. At the end you will find a short checklist and concrete next steps so you can file the complaint without errors or prepare a lawsuit in time. I show which records such as emails, photos or witnesses are important and how to document deadlines. I also list official forms and court contacts and tips for quick advice.

What is an AGG complaint?

An AGG complaint is a formal notification that, as a tenant, you experienced discrimination because of characteristics such as gender, ethnic origin, religion, disability or age. The General Equal Treatment Act regulates these rights.^[1]

5 steps for a successful AGG complaint

1. Collect all evidence: emails, SMS, photos, witness statements and dates.
2. Write a formal complaint to the landlord and send it with proof of delivery.
3. Set a clear deadline (for example 14 days) for a response and document it in writing.
4. Seek early advice, for example at municipal tenant services or legal advice centers, and use mediation where available.
5. If the landlord does not respond, prepare a lawsuit at the competent local court; observe the procedural rules of the ZPO.

Preparation: Evidence and forms

Collect all relevant documents in chronological order and note places, times and people involved. For tenancy claims, the rules in the BGB are decisive; in particular, check the landlord's duties.^[2] If you consider a lawsuit, use the complaint form under the Code of Civil Procedure and observe jurisdiction rules.^[3] For formal letters, templates and guidance from central justice portals can help.^[4] Example: If you repeatedly receive discriminatory messages about your origin, write a short dated complaint to the landlord, cite specific incidents, attach evidence and request an answer within 14 days.

FAQ

When can I file an AGG complaint as a tenant?

When you are disadvantaged because of a protected characteristic, for example regarding access to the apartment, evictions or the landlord's behaviour.

What deadlines apply?

There is no uniform deadline in the AGG for every complaint, but you should document deadlines and act promptly for responses and court actions.

Do I have to hire a lawyer?

Not necessarily, but legal advice can help prepare evidence correctly and avoid formal mistakes.

How-To

1. Record date, time and persons and collect emails, photos and witness statements.
2. Prepare a written complaint with evidence and send it with proof of delivery.
3. Set a clear deadline for a response and document sending and receipt.
4. Contact advisory services or consider mediation to seek a resolution.
5. If necessary, file a lawsuit at the competent local court and present your evidence.

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet — General Equal Treatment Act (AGG)
• Gesetze im Internet — German Civil Code (BGB) §§ 535–580a
• Justizportal of the Federation and the Länder — Forms and court information

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet — General Equal Treatment Act (AGG)
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet — German Civil Code (BGB) §§ 535–580a
3. [3] Gesetze im Internet — Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) form guidance
4. [4] Justizportal of the Federation and the Länder — Forms and court information