Checklist: Dorm Rules for Tenants in Germany

As a student in a dorm you encounter clear rules for daily life, visitors, cleanliness and quiet — and you have rights as a tenant under German tenancy law. This checklist helps you avoid common conflicts, understand typical clauses in house rules and respond correctly to defects or contract breaches. I explain in practical terms which rules are common, which forms you should know and when a conversation with dorm management or a legal review makes sense. The guidance is based on German legal foundations and lists concrete steps on how to document incidents, meet deadlines and, if necessary, inform the competent courts. I give examples of typical clauses such as quiet hours, cleaning fees and visitor rules, and how to report defects correctly.

Why a checklist for dorm rules?

Dorms combine private living spaces with shared areas. That leads to specific rules for quiet, cleaning, visitors and safety. As a tenant you should know which duties are stated in the house rules and which rights you can derive from the German Civil Code (BGB)^[1]. Documentation and meeting deadlines are often decisive if an issue escalates.

Important rules and examples

• Quiet hours (time): Respect night and study quiet times, e.g. 22:00–7:00.
• Visitor rules (time): Observe visiting hours and maximum number of guests.
• House rules: Observe cleaning duties, waste separation and common area rules.
• Access and keys: Do not pass keys to unauthorized persons.
• Defect report (form): Report damages in writing immediately and create documentation (date, photos, persons).
• Repairs: Check small repair clauses and set deadlines for major defects.

Forms and templates

Important forms to know include the written termination letter (template), the written defect report and possible templates for objections to cost statements. A termination letter (template from the Federal Ministry of Justice) helps, for example, to prepare a timely and formally correct end of a subtenancy. For defects, send a defect report by email and additionally by registered mail to prove deadlines^[2]. If the conflict is not resolved, a lawsuit may follow at the local court; the rules of the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) then apply^[3].

FAQ

Who is responsible in a dispute with dorm management?

Local courts (Amtsgericht) are usually responsible for tenancy disputes; you can also seek advice or, for precedent, consider higher instances.

Can dorm management set visiting hours?

Yes, house rules may contain reasonable visiting rules as long as they do not violate statutory tenant rights.

How do I document a defect correctly?

Date, time, photos, witnesses and a written defect report (email + registered mail) are recommended.

How-To

1. Note the defect immediately: date, place, short description and take photos.
2. Send a written defect report to the dorm management and request a deadline for remedy (e.g. 14 days).
3. If there is no response, have a personal meeting or contact tenant protection or an advisory service.
4. If escalation occurs, prepare documents for a possible lawsuit at the local court (documentation, correspondence, photos).

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet – Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
• Bundesministerium der Justiz – Templates and guidance
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – information on decisions

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet – Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
2. [2] Bundesministerium der Justiz – Musterkündigung und Service
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof – Informationen zu Verfahren und Rechtsprechung