Shared Kitchen Rules: Tenant Guide Germany

Shared kitchens in special housing arrangements bring benefits but also potential for conflict. As a tenant in Germany, you should know which rights and obligations apply, how liability, cleaning duties and access are regulated, and how to design formal rules legally securely. This guide explains in practical terms how tenants can agree on a fair cleaning regime, which sample forms are useful, and when a rent reduction or going to the local court may be appropriate. Concrete examples and action steps help avoid common disputes and secure living quality. The language is deliberately simple; legal terms are explained and linked to official sources so you as a tenant in Germany can act confidently. At the end you will find an FAQ, a step-by-step guide and further authority links.

Rights and duties in shared kitchens

In Germany, the German Civil Code (BGB) regulates the main obligations of landlord and tenant, such as maintenance and use of the rented property^[1]. For shared kitchens, this means: the landlord must keep the kitchen in a proper contractual condition; tenants must use the kitchen in accordance with the contract and avoid damage. In case of defects, tenants are entitled to remediation or rent reduction if usability is significantly restricted.

Typical rules that help

• Create clear cleaning schedules and post them visibly.
• Clarify liability for damages in writing (who pays for a water damage?).
• Define access and privacy rules (cabinets, lockable compartments).
• Define consequences for rule violations (warnings, shared cost charges).

Practical examples and forms

Example: A shared flat agrees on a weekly cleaning roster and a deposit rule for jointly used appliances. If an appliance is damaged by misuse, the group can share costs proportionally or the responsible person pays. For formal steps, tenants use template letters, for example a termination letter or a defect notification. If disputes arise over use, a written request to remedy within a deadline can be useful; if there is no response, court action at the local court is possible^[2].

Concrete actions in case of conflicts

If talks fail: collect evidence (photos, messages, signed cleaning rosters) and send a formal defect notice to the landlord. If the landlord does not act, consider rent reduction or claims for damages and possibly legal advice. Appeals and leading decisions can be found at the Federal Court of Justice to clarify legal positions^[3]. Operating cost issues (e.g., cleaning costs) are regulated by the Operating Costs Ordinance^[4].

FAQ

Who may set rules for the shared kitchen?

Rules can be agreed jointly by the tenants; changes to the rental contract by community rules usually require the landlord's consent.

Can I reduce the rent if the kitchen is unusable?

Yes, a rent reduction is possible for significant impairments. Document defects and inform the landlord in writing.

What to do about systematic violations of cleaning rosters?

Start with direct talks, then a written warning; if unsuccessful, agreements on sanctions and, as a last resort, legal steps are possible.

How-To

1. Draft rules: gather proposals and create a written cleaning and usage plan.
2. Vote: discuss the draft with all tenants and document the approval.
3. Put it in writing: post rules visibly in the kitchen and assign responsibilities.
4. In case of dispute: collect evidence, send a formal defect notice, and use the local court if necessary.

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB: duties of landlord and tenant
• Information on courts (local court)
• Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Building

1. [1] German Civil Code (BGB) — §§535–580a
2. [2] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO)
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — decisions on tenancy law
4. [4] Operating Costs Ordinance (BetrKV)