Internet Access in Dorms: Tenants in Germany
Many tenants in Germany live in dorms or special housing and face the question of how to organize internet access legally, securely and without disputes with the landlord. This text explains what rights and obligations you have as a tenant, how to implement technical solutions and which steps are sensible if connection, cabling or router cause problems. The guidance is practical and mentions deadlines, possible forms and the court route if an agreement is not possible. The goal is for you as a tenant to act confidently, protect your data and avoid conflicts with the landlord.
Rights and obligations for internet in dorms
Fundamentally, tenancy law in Germany regulates the use of the rented property and the landlord's maintenance obligations under the German Civil Code (BGB) §§ 535–580a.[1] Changes to the apartment equipment or house cabling should be coordinated with the landlord, especially if structural changes or additional costs arise.
Practical steps before technical implementation
- Check the tenancy agreement for clauses on communal facilities, cable routing or internet use.
- Ask the landlord in writing for permission before carrying out drilling or line changes.
- Clarify who bears the costs for connection, router or maintenance and whether costs will be charged to operating costs.
- In case of malfunctions or outages: document errors and notify the landlord with a deadline for remedy.
- Keep all letters, e-mails, invoice copies and screenshots as evidence.
Data protection and privacy
WLAN routers and shared networks can raise data protection questions. As a tenant, you should ensure secure encryption (WPA2/ WPA3) and protect passwords. If a shared access exists, clarify responsibilities for logging and throttling data volumes in writing.
What to do if the landlord refuses?
If the landlord refuses an extension or installation without good reason, review the legal situation and possible modification agreements. Minor, reversible installations are often tolerated; larger structural interventions may require consent. In disputes, the local court (Amtsgericht) typically decides first on tenancy claims.[2]
FAQ
- Can the landlord prohibit the use of private routers in the dorm?
- A general ban is rarely effective; restrictions may be allowed for security or technical reasons. Check the contract and seek dialogue.
- Who is liable for damage to the building cabling?
- Damage caused by improper interventions may make the perpetrator liable; therefore always obtain the landlord's consent for major work.
- Are there template forms for written requests or terminations?
- Yes, official guidance and template letters can be found on the relevant justice and ministry websites; use verifiable delivery methods when sending.
How-To
- Ask the landlord for permission in writing and describe your technical solution.
- Set a reasonable response deadline (e.g. 14 days) and document the deadline in writing.
- Arrange a technician appointment if necessary and create a record of the visit.
- Keep all responses, invoices and photos safely in case legal steps become necessary.
Key notes
- Avoid unilateral, non-reversible modifications without consent.
- Consider temporary solutions such as powerline adapters or mobile routers if quick help is needed.
