Dorm WG Rules: Tenant Tips for Germany

If you organize a shared flat (WG) in a dormitory, clear rules help keep tenancy relations in Germany fair and low-conflict. This text is aimed at tenants and students who want to manage shared costs, cleaning schedules, guest rules and repairs together. I explain in simple terms which rights and duties arise from the tenancy under the BGB, how to create written agreements and which steps make sense in case of disputes with roommates or the landlord. Practical examples show how to recognize conflicts early and resolve them constructively. At the end you will find notes on official forms, competent authorities and court instances so that you can assert your rights as a tenant in Germany with confidence.

Practical WG Rules

Before problems arise, a clear communal agreement or a written list of rules helps. Written arrangements prevent misunderstandings about rent, cleaning, shopping and visiting hours.

• Establish a cleaning schedule with fixed responsibilities.
• Document payment modalities for rent and utilities.
• Agree on guest rules and quiet hours.
• Determine key rules and privacy arrangements.
• Define a procedure for reporting repairs and damages.

Contracts, Rights and Duties

A written sublet contract or a supplementary WG agreement protects everyone. Pay attention to the deposit, utility statements and who covers which repairs. For questions about legal duties consult tenancy law.^[1]

• Regulate subletting in writing with duration, rent amount and utilities.
• Clarify deposit rules: amount, storage and return process.
• Check utility bills and review supporting documents.

Resolving Conflicts and Formal Steps

First seek a conversation among roommates; written warnings can follow. If disputes escalate, deadlines and formal steps under the ZPO must be observed, especially for eviction lawsuits and court proceedings.^[2]

• Seek discussion and consider mediation.
• Send a written warning with a deadline.
• If no agreement: consider the competent local court or legal advice.

Reporting Repairs and Defects

Defects should be reported to the landlord immediately in writing with date, description and photos. Keep track of deadlines for remediation and possible rent reduction rights.

• Send a written defect report with date, description and photos to the landlord.
• Set deadlines and document how the landlord responds.
• If not remedied: seek advice and consider rent reduction.

FAQ

Can I sublet a room in a dormitory WG?

Subletting is only permitted with the landlord's permission or if regulated in the lease; clarify conditions in writing.

What should I do about damages or defects in my room?

Report defects immediately in writing, take photos and set deadlines; keep copies of all communication.

Who is responsible for eviction lawsuits?

Eviction lawsuits are generally heard by the competent local court; procedural rules are found in the ZPO.^[2]

How-To

1. Create a written WG agreement with names, rent, utilities and termination notice periods.
2. Introduce a clear cleaning schedule and task plan for common areas.
3. Keep all payments and receipts centrally and check the utility bill.
4. Report damages immediately in writing and document landlord response times.
5. For conflicts: try discussion, mediation and, as a last resort, legal steps.

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB §§ 535–580a: Rules on rent and obligations
• ZPO (Code of Civil Procedure): Court proceedings
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH): rulings and jurisprudence

1. [1] §§ 535–580a BGB (Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch)
2. [2] ZPO (Zivilprozessordnung)
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH)