Documenting Dorm Internet for Tenants in Germany

As a tenant in a dormitory in Germany, unstable or failing internet can significantly disrupt daily life. This practical guide explains how to document outages objectively and legally, which evidence tenants should collect, and how to take formal steps against recurring problems. We describe concrete actions: how to keep logs, take photos, run speed tests, meet deadlines, and notify the landlord correctly. You will also find guidance on the competent authorities and courts, plus linked official sources and forms so you can avoid conflicts or, if necessary, prepare legal action.

Why document?

Good documentation creates clarity: it shows when and how often the internet fails, how severe the limitations are, and which communications with the landlord already took place. For tenants this is important to support claims for rent reduction, damages or remediation. Documentation protects both parties and helps resolve misunderstandings without immediate escalation.

What evidence should you collect?

• Photos and screenshots of error messages, outage times and router displays.
• Date and time stamps for every outage or interruption.
• Logs of speed tests (e.g. ping, upload/download) over several days.
• Copies of all emails, chat messages or written communications with the landlord.
• Records of repair attempts, technician appointments and their statements.

Forms, deadlines and legal basis

If an outage is persistent or recurring, tenants should notify the landlord in writing (defect notice) and set a reasonable deadline for repair. Relevant legal rules are in the German Civil Code (BGB), including landlord obligations and rent reduction^[1]. Use clear wording with concrete times and evidence, and request a response by a specific date.

Practical defect notice template

• Brief statement of facts: which defect, since when, frequency.
• List or attach evidence (photos, speed tests, log times).
• Name a repair deadline (e.g. 14 days) and provide contact availability.
• Request written confirmation and note phone agreements in writing.

If the landlord does not respond

If the landlord does not respond or the problem is not remedied, tenants can consider further steps: claim rent reduction, seek damages, or initiate legal action. The local Amtsgericht is generally responsible for many tenancy disputes, with appeals to higher courts if necessary^[2]. Complete evidence and copies of all communications will help if court proceedings begin.

How-To

1. Document initial outages immediately with date, time and photo.
2. Keep a disruption log for at least a week with timestamps and speed tests.
3. Send a written defect notice to the landlord and set a clear deadline.
4. Obtain confirmation and record any phone agreements in writing.
5. If no solution follows, consider legal steps and contact the competent local court or a legal advisory service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reduce my rent because of internet problems?

Yes, tenants may be able to claim rent reduction for significant impairments; important are the scope of the disruption and traceable evidence under the BGB rules^[1].

How long should I wait for the landlord to respond?

Set a reasonable deadline in your defect notice (commonly 14 days). For urgent outages a shorter deadline may be appropriate.

Who is responsible if it goes to court?

The local court (Amtsgericht) is usually responsible; appeals go to the regional courts and possibly the Federal Court of Justice.

Help and Support

• German Civil Code (BGB) – gesetze-im-internet.de
• Federal Court of Justice – bundesgerichtshof.de
• Federal Ministry of Justice – bmj.de

1. [1] German Civil Code (BGB) - gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Local courts and jurisdiction - justiz.de
3. [3] Federal Ministry of Justice - forms and information - bmj.de