AGG Complaint Template for Tenants in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, you can take action against disadvantage or discrimination. This guide explains in practical terms how to document incidents, prepare a formal complaint under the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) and who to contact. You will receive a template for a complaint letter, notes on deadlines and evidence preservation, and an overview of responsible authorities and courts. The language is simple so you can implement the steps immediately — from collecting evidence to submitting it to the landlord or the competent authority.

What to do first

Act early and systematically: record each incident with date, time and exact statements, inform witnesses if applicable and keep all messages. This preparation makes it easier to write a formal AGG complaint and strengthens your position against the landlord, property management or in proceedings before the local court.^[1]

Step-by-step: Complaint and template letter

• Document: Collect photos, emails and notes as evidence.
• Draft: Prepare a short, factual complaint letter (date, place, description, requested remedy).
• Observe deadlines: Respond within reasonable timeframes and state a deadline for a reply in the complaint.
• Inform the landlord: Send the complaint by registered mail or email with read receipt.
• If necessary: Bring the complaint to the competent authorities or to court (local court for tenancy disputes).

Sample template (short):

Dear Sir or Madam, I hereby complain about an incident on [date] in which I experienced discrimination due to [characteristic, e.g. origin, gender]. Specifically, the following occurred: [short description]. I request a written response by [date]. Sincerely, [Name].

Rights, laws and responsibilities

The General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) protects against discrimination in the tenancy relationship; tenancy law rules in the German Civil Code (BGB) on tenant duties and protections also apply^[2]. In disputes, the local court is often competent; in certain cases decisions may be appealed to regional courts or the Federal Court of Justice^[3].

FAQ

When is something considered discrimination under the AGG?

Discrimination is considered when there is disadvantage due to characteristics such as origin, religion, gender or disability without an objective reason.

Do I have to inform the landlord first?

Yes. Generally you should inform the landlord or property management in writing and wait for a response before considering further steps.

Which deadlines are important?

There is no uniform deadline for an internal complaint, but statutory limitation periods under the BGB and procedural deadlines under the ZPO apply to court claims.

How-To

1. Document the incident: Collect date, time, involved persons and evidence.
2. Draft the complaint letter: Short, factual, specify the desired remedy.
3. Set a deadline: Name a reasonable deadline for a response (e.g. 14 days).
4. Deliver the complaint: Send by registered mail or email with read receipt.
5. Check for support: If necessary, consult the Antidiscrimination Office or seek legal action.

Key points

• Evidence preservation is crucial; cases are hard to enforce without proof.
• Keep records of every contact and retain copies of all letters.

Help and Support / Resources

• Antidiskriminierungsstelle des Bundes
• Gesetze im Internet (BGB)
• Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz

1. [1] Antidiskriminierungsstelle des Bundes
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet (BGB)
3. [3] Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz