Discrimination by Origin for Tenants in Germany

As a tenant in Germany you want to live safely, fairly and without discrimination. If you feel you are being treated worse because of your origin, this practical checklist helps: it explains which rights under tenancy law apply, which evidence is important and which deadlines you must observe. The guide shows how to document incidents, use official forms and, if necessary, take action at the local court. The aim is to give you clear steps so you can act within deadlines and enforce your rights effectively.

What to do as a tenant in case of discrimination due to origin?

Proceed systematically: collect evidence, inform yourself about legal basics and respond within set deadlines so rights do not lapse. Note date, time and participants, take photos and save messages or emails.

• Collect evidence (document, evidence): photos, messages, witnesses and precise notes.
• Send a written complaint (form): write a short, dated email or letter to the landlord.
• Observe deadlines (within, deadline): respond within deadlines and check legal time limits for termination or lawsuits.
• Make contact (call, contact): seek advice from official bodies or the relevant local court.
• Consider legal action (court): if no agreement is possible, filing a lawsuit at the local court is possible.

Many tenant rights are based on the BGB (e.g. landlord duties).^[1] For legal proceedings the procedural rules of the ZPO apply.^[2] Tenancy disputes are usually heard at the local court; cases of importance can be appealed up to the Federal Court of Justice (BGH).^[3]

Concrete steps: Checklist for enforcing within deadlines

• Record the incident precisely: date, time, participants, words and actions.
• Create a written complaint: describe briefly and set a deadline for response.
• Inform official bodies: contact the local court or justice advisory services if needed.
• Set and meet a deadline: a two-week deadline to respond is a practical guideline (within 14 days).
• If necessary: check eviction protection and consider filing a lawsuit (court filing).

FAQ

What counts as discrimination due to origin?

Discrimination occurs when you are treated worse because of your origin, for example regarding access to housing, communication or the tenancy relationship.

What rights do I have as a tenant?

As a tenant you are entitled to non-discriminatory treatment and the landlord's compliance with tenancy obligations; specific claims are governed by the BGB and case law.

How quickly must I act?

Act promptly and within deadlines: give the landlord a reasonable deadline to respond and document, typically within 14 days.

How-To

1. Document incidents precisely and save evidence.
2. Send a written complaint to the landlord and request a response within a set deadline.
3. Seek legal advice or inform the relevant local court if no agreement is reached.
4. If necessary, file a lawsuit at the local court and prepare your evidence systematically.

Key Takeaways

• Good documentation is often decisive for success.
• Deadlines must not be missed, otherwise rights can be lost.

Help and Support

• Gesetze im Internet: BGB §535 - Duties of the landlord
• Gesetze im Internet: Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO)
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) - Information on case law

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) § 535 - Duties of the landlord
2. [2] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) - Procedural rules
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) - Jurisdiction and case law