Equal Treatment at Viewings: Tenants in Germany 2025

As a tenant in Germany it is important to be treated fairly during property viewings. Discrimination can be subtle, for example through questions about origin, marital status or disability, or when certain applicants are preferred. Tenancy law protects your rights, but many tenants lose claims because they do not document incidents or miss important deadlines. This guide clearly explains what information you should collect, how to record incidents objectively and which official forms or courts are responsible. With practical examples you will learn how to secure evidence, document conversations and take formal steps. At the end you will find a short guide to filing a complaint and official links.

Why documentation matters

Documentation creates traceability. Under the German Civil Code (BGB) §§ 535–580a the rights and duties of landlord and tenant are regulated ^[1]. If you consider legal action, the procedural rules of the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) apply ^[2] and lawsuits are heard in the first instance at the local court (Amtsgericht) ^[3].

Common mistakes at viewings

• No or incomplete documentation of questions, answers and observations.
• Not noting deadlines and appointments and failing to remedy missed deadlines.
• Failing to contact witnesses or record their contact details.

How to document incidents correctly

Use photos, timestamps and witness details; keep emails and messages. Relevant official forms include complaint templates and claim forms available from judicial authorities ^[4].

• Take photos and short videos of the conversation and the property surroundings.
• Record the date, time, duration of the viewing and all questions asked in writing.
• Note witnesses with names and contact details and ask for a short written confirmation.
• Save important messages and offers by email and document correspondence by registered mail.

What to do if you suspect discrimination

First: seek a conversation, insist on factual clarification and request a written statement. If the landlord does not respond or ignores the allegations, send a formal complaint with a deadline. If there is still no response, you can file a lawsuit at the competent local court under the rules of the ZPO ^[2][3].

• Send a written complaint to the landlord with documented facts and a deadline.
• If there is no response, file a claim at the competent local court and attach copies of all evidence.

FAQ

What counts as discrimination at viewings?

Discrimination includes improper questions or disadvantages due to origin, religion, gender, disability or marital status; document concrete examples and witnesses.

Which evidence matters most?

Photos, exact date and time entries, written exchanges (emails, SMS) and witness statements are especially persuasive.

Who should I contact first?

First contact the landlord; if that does not help, contact the competent local court or legal advice to help you file a claim.

How-To

1. Collect evidence immediately: photos, notes and witnesses.
2. Send a formal complaint by registered mail to the landlord and set a clear deadline.
3. If there is no response, file a claim at the competent local court and enclose copies of all evidence.
4. Keep deadlines in mind and respond promptly to summonses.

Key takeaways

• Good documentation is often decisive for success in tenancy disputes.
• Send formal complaints in writing and with proof of receipt.
• Strictly observe deadlines and appointments.

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — Gesetze im Internet
• Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — Gesetze im Internet
• Forms and services — Justizportal

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1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a — Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Local court and court system — Federal Ministry of Justice
4. [4] Justice forms and claim forms — Justizportal