Coordinating Viewings for Tenants in Germany
As a tenant in Germany, you should act carefully when planning and coordinating viewings. This text explains clearly how to arrange viewings safely, which deadlines you must observe, what access rights the landlord has and how to protect your privacy. I show practical steps: preparing documents, communicating with the landlord, documenting agreements and when formal letters or legal action are appropriate. The guidance is general and refers to relevant laws and court practice in Germany. At the end you will find concrete templates, a step-by-step guide and official authority links to help you enforce your rights as a tenant more clearly. You will receive concrete examples of how to refuse appointments if the timing is unreasonable, how to record objections in writing and which evidence is useful. This way you are prepared if deadlines run or court proceedings become necessary.
What tenants in Germany need to know
Landlords generally may not enter your apartment at any time and without reason. The landlord's statutory duties and the tenant's rights are set out in the Civil Code (BGB) (Sections 535–580a).[1] For court actions such as eviction suits, the rules of the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) apply.[2] If you have doubts about an appointment or the legality of access, document date, time, caller name and the purpose of the appointment.
Practical checklist before a viewing
- Check deadlines and appointments in advance and request a written confirmation of the appointment.
- Clarify who is allowed access and whether third parties (agent, contractors) will be present.
- Take photos of defects and note deficiencies before outsiders enter the apartment.
- Provide your preferred contact times and demand a reasonable notice period for entry if necessary.
If access is unjustified, compensation or injunctive relief may be possible; consult the relevant BGB provisions and applicable BGH case law.[1][4]
Forms and templates for tenants (official names)
Important official notes and templates tenants should know:
- Termination letter (sample) — use a written termination letter if you terminate yourself or contest a termination; official ministry guidance can be consulted for templates.[3]
- Defect notice / rent reduction letter — document defects in writing and set a reasonable deadline to remedy them.
- Handover protocol at move-in or move-out — important to protect against later claims.
How to handle objections and deadlines correctly
If a viewing appointment unreasonably impairs your privacy or legitimate interests, object in writing and set a clear deadline for a reasonable alternative. Respond promptly to written demands, because missed deadlines can weaken your legal position. For impending termination or formal letters, check deadlines according to BGB and ZPO and seek legal advice if necessary.[1][2]
FAQ
- May the landlord enter the apartment without notice?
- No. The landlord usually needs your consent or an urgent reason; otherwise unannounced entry is not permitted.
- How much notice must a landlord give for viewings?
- There is no fixed legal period, but appointments must be reasonable and informed in good time; very short notices may be unreasonable.
- Which documents help if there is later dispute?
- Date and time logs, photos, emails and written confirmations are useful evidence.
How-To
- Request an appointment: Ask for written confirmation with date, time and who will attend.
- Check identity: Request names and roles (landlord, agent, contractor).
- Document: Take photos and notes before and after the appointment.
- Object in writing: If appointments are unreasonable, file a written objection and propose alternatives.
- Contact authority or court: If your rights are violated, contact the competent local court (Amtsgericht) or seek legal advice.
Help and Support / Resources
- BGB §§535–580a — Gesetze im Internet
- ZPO — Zivilprozessordnung auf gesetze-im-internet.de
- Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) — Information and case law
