Coordinating Viewings: Tenant Rights in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, you may wonder how to organize viewing appointments with deadlines in a fair and legally secure way. You are entitled to privacy, reasonable advance notice and protection against unlawful entry; at the same time the landlord has interests such as re-renting or planning repairs. This text explains in plain language which deadlines apply, how to request or refuse appointments in writing, which evidence is useful and how to proceed if a dispute arises. I cite the relevant legal provisions and forms, describe practical steps for documentation and communication and show how to enforce your rights at the competent local court, so you can better protect and use your rights in Germany.

What may the landlord do?

The landlord may request viewing appointments if there is a legitimate interest, for example for re-renting or necessary repairs. The duties and rights in the tenancy relationship are regulated in the Civil Code (BGB)^[1]. It is crucial that entry only occurs with reasonable advance notice and while respecting your privacy.

Advance notice and deadlines

There is no uniform statutory deadline for viewings, but appointments must be announced in good time and fall within a reasonable period. As a rule of thumb: propose early, offer concrete time windows and secure written confirmations.

• Check the announced timeframe and ask for at least 24–48 hours' notice where possible.
• Request written confirmation by email or SMS so date and time are documented.
• Suggest several time slots to allow fair coordination.

Entry and privacy

Unannounced entry is generally impermissible. The landlord may not simply enter unless there is an acute danger. You can refuse unreasonable appointments or insist on accompaniment. If in doubt, document the contact with date and time.

Coordinating appointments and securing evidence

Documentation is crucial: keep emails, SMS, photos, timestamps and witness statements. Such evidence facilitates later legal steps in court and helps clarify misunderstandings. Rules on evidence law are found in the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO)^[2].

• Save email exchanges and screenshots of the appointment agreement.
• Photograph defects or damages that prompted a viewing, with dates.
• Note names and roles of persons who want to enter the flat.

What to do in case of dispute?

First try to reach a written agreement with the landlord. If that fails, you can send a formal demand or cease-and-desist letter and — if necessary — file a lawsuit at the competent local court (Amtsgericht)^[3]. Procedural rules and deadlines for court actions are governed by the Code of Civil Procedure^[2], and important rulings are often issued by higher courts such as the Federal Court of Justice (BGH)^[4].

Important forms and templates are available from the justice authorities; for example civil complaint forms or guidance on eviction actions. A concrete example: if viewings repeatedly occur without adequate notice, you can set a deadline in writing and, if ignored, prepare an injunction using the civil complaint form and attach your evidence^[5].

FAQ

Do I have to accept every viewing appointment?

No. Appointments must be announced reasonably; you may reject unreasonable times and propose alternatives.

How long before must the landlord announce?

There is no rigid statutory period; 24–48 hours' notice is common, more for long-term planning.

What if the landlord comes without notice?

Assert your right to privacy, document the incident and send a written complaint with evidence.

How-To

1. Check the appointment notice and note date and time.
2. Reply in writing and request confirmation by email.
3. Document the viewing with photos, notes and witness details.
4. For repeated violations, contact a mediation service or file suit at the local court.

Key takeaways

• Keep all messages and photos as evidence.
• Arrange appointments in writing to prevent disputes.
• Use formal steps and legal help if violations continue.

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — Gesetze im Internet
• Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — Gesetze im Internet
• Justizportal of the federal states — Forms and courts
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — Decisions

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1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Justizportal der Bundesländer — Zuständige Gerichte
4. [4] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) — Entscheidungen
5. [5] Justizportal der Bundesländer — Forms and templates