Report Discriminatory Ads: Tenant Rights in Germany

Many tenants in German cities encounter housing ads that exclude applicants because of origin, gender, family status, disability or religion. Such discriminatory phrases are not only unfair, they can also violate the General Equal Treatment Act and tenancy law. As a tenant, you should document where the ad appeared, save screenshots and contact attempts, and know which official bodies are responsible. This guide explains practical steps to report discriminatory ads in Germany, which forms you can use, how complaints at the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency work and when going to the local court is appropriate. I give examples, deadlines and tips for preserving evidence so you can strengthen your rights as a tenant. The information is based on applicable law and refers to official forms and competent courts in Germany.

When is a housing ad discriminatory?

An ad is discriminatory if it systematically excludes or disadvantages applicants based on characteristics such as origin, religion, gender, disability or family status. Such wording can constitute a violation of the General Equal Treatment Act and have tenancy law consequences ^[2].

Immediate steps for tenants in big cities

• Collect evidence: save screenshots, date, platform and advertiser.
• Secure screenshots: record metadata and contact attempts.
• Contact the landlord or advertiser and ask for an explanation.
• Report the ad to the platform operator and use the platform complaint form.
• File a complaint with the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency ^[1].
• If discrimination continues, consider legal action; the local court is usually competent ^[4].

Official forms and how to use them

Complaint forms and legal templates are central. Use the complaint form of the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency for exclusion incidents; provide the ad, date, text and evidence ^[1]. Example: save the ad as a PDF, add date and time and briefly describe why the wording is discriminatory; the form allows uploading evidence.

For tenancy issues, the provisions of the BGB regulate landlord and tenant obligations (§§535–580a), and civil procedure (ZPO) governs litigation procedures ^[3][5].

Court procedures: local court and process

If an out-of-court complaint does not help, a civil lawsuit at the local court may be considered. The local court usually handles tenancy disputes; filing, deadlines and evidence are governed by civil procedure rules ^[4][5].

FAQ

When is an ad unlawfully discriminatory?

If criteria such as origin, religion, gender or disability are given as reasons for rejection, discrimination often exists.

Who should I contact first?

Collect evidence, report the ad to the platform and file a complaint with the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency.

Do I have to go to court?

Not necessarily; many cases are resolved out of court, but if discrimination continues, a lawsuit can be appropriate.

How-To

1. Collect evidence: screenshots, date and contact details.
2. Submit a complaint to the platform and to the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency.
3. Consider legal action at the local court and seek advice.
4. Observe deadlines and secure evidence promptly.

Help and support

• Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency – complaint form
• German Civil Code (BGB) §§535–580a
• Information on courts and procedures

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1. [1] Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency
2. [2] General Equal Treatment Act (AGG)
3. [3] German Civil Code (BGB) §§535–580a
4. [4] Federal Office of Justice / Courts
5. [5] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO)