Tenant Visitation: Deadlines & Documents in Germany
As a tenant in a dormitory or special housing form in Germany you need clear information about visitation rights, required documents and applicable deadlines. This guide explains in practical terms which proofs landlords may request, which official forms are relevant and how to protect personal data in a privacy-compliant way. We name responsible authorities and courts, explain important sections of the BGB[1] and typical steps in disputes, and show how to meet deadlines, draft objections and secure documentation. The goal is that you, as a tenant, know your rights and remain able to act without requiring legal expertise. We also list official forms, provide example letters to landlords and explain how to calculate deadlines under the ZPO.
Which documents do you need?
Landlords or dorm administrations often require proofs to implement visitor lists or access rules. Typical, helpful documents are:
- Identity card or registration certificate (form / identity proof)
- Power of attorney or written consent of the main tenant (document)
- Proof of room allocation or tenancy agreement (record)
- Possibly a completed visitor form of the dormitory (form)
Deadlines and response times
Deadlines vary depending on the reason: for formal applications, complaints or eviction claims there are different timeframes. Typical deadlines include:
- Application for an exception: usually within 14 days after notification of the rule (deadline)
- Written defect notice or data protection complaint: within 14 days, ideally immediately (deadline)
- Objection to house rules measures: promptly, often within 2 weeks (deadline)
Forms and templates
Relevant legal bases are the provisions of the BGB on tenancy (§§ 535–580a)[1] and procedural rules of the ZPO for court actions[2]. For disputes about access or visitor lists the Amtsgericht is competent; higher instances are the Landgericht and possibly the BGH[3].
Concrete commonly used forms and templates (official or practical texts):
- WBS / housing entitlement certificate (when required for social housing) — application via the competent state portal (form)
- Written defect notice / request for information on visitation rules (sample letter to landlord)
- Termination letter (if other grounds apply) — use official specifications and deadlines
How-To
- Collect documents (ID card, tenancy agreement, power of attorney) and digitize them.
- Check deadlines (e.g. 14 days for notices) and enter dates in a calendar.
- Send a clear written request or complaint to the landlord, using a template if helpful.
- Secure evidence: photos, copies, witness statements and visitor lists.
- If escalation is necessary, check the competence of the local court and consider legal steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can the landlord completely prohibit visitors?
- A total ban is only permissible in special cases; common reasons are safety or hygiene. Restrictions must be proportionate.
- What is the deadline for lodging an objection?
- You should file a written objection immediately, at the latest within two weeks after service; procedural deadlines of the ZPO apply for court matters.[2]
- Which documents should I bring when visitors are expected?
- ID card, a copy of the tenancy agreement and, if applicable, a power of attorney from the main tenant are recommended.
