Communal Kitchens: Tenant Tips in Germany

Many apartment buildings and special housing forms in Germany share communal kitchens. For tenants this can mean lower costs and more community, but also potential conflicts: who pays for consumables, how are storage spaces allocated and what applies if hygiene or safety standards fail? This guide clearly explains which obligations landlords and tenants have, which rules work well in house rules, and how to document defects, costs and agreements to enforce your rights in Germany.

Who is responsible?

Basically, the German Civil Code (BGB) regulates landlord and tenant duties: the landlord must maintain the rental property in the agreed condition; tenants must treat it with care. You can rely on the BGB provisions regarding duties and defects.^[1]

Practical steps for problems

If cleaning or equipment are missing, proceed systematically:

• Document damage immediately (evidence: photos, date, location).
• Send a written notice to the landlord and keep a copy (notice: email or registered mail).
• Set a reasonable deadline for repair or cleaning (repair: specify days).
• Keep a cost statement for consumables and agree in writing who pays (rent/fee: joint agreement).

When is the court competent?

If no agreement is reached, a lawsuit or eviction matter can be heard at the local court (Amtsgericht); civil procedure rules apply according to the ZPO.^[2] Higher instances include the regional courts and the Federal Court of Justice (BGH).^[3]

Concrete forms and templates

There is no single official form for every situation, but typical documents are:

• Termination letter to the landlord (template for keeping deadlines and stating reasons).
• Defect notification/damage report to the landlord (notice: include date, description, photos).
• Evidence collection: photos, receipts, witness statements (evidence: organized file).

FAQ

Who pays for cleaning of communal kitchens?

That depends on agreements in the lease or house rules; without agreement costs may be shared proportionally or covered by the landlord.

Can I restrict use if roommates do not tidy up?

You can agree rules and inform the landlord about repeated disturbances; in cases of safety or hygiene risks stronger measures may apply.

What do I do about repeated water damage or mold?

Document, inform the landlord immediately, set a deadline for remediation and consider rent reduction or legal action if necessary.

How-To

1. Step 1: Document the defect with photos and date (evidence: describe clearly).
2. Step 2: Send a formal defect notification to the landlord (notice: keep a copy).
3. Step 3: Set a reasonable deadline for remedy (deadline: e.g. 14 days).
4. Step 4: If there is no response, consider legal steps or contact the local court (Amtsgericht).

Key Takeaways

• Documentation is key when disputing communal kitchen issues.
• Communication and written agreements reduce conflicts sustainably.
• Respond promptly to defects to avoid jeopardizing rights.

Help and Support / Resources

• § 535 BGB: Content and primary obligations of the tenancy agreement
• Civil Procedure Code (ZPO): Procedural rules
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH): Decisions in tenancy law

1. [1] § 535 BGB — Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] ZPO — Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice — bundesgerichtshof.de