Internet in Dorms: Tenant Rights in Germany

As a tenant in a dormitory or a communal special housing form, you have clear rights in Germany even when it comes to internet and network supply. This guide explains in plain language what landlord obligations are, how to document outages, which forms and deadlines matter, and when a rent reduction may be possible. The advice applies to student dorms, supported housing and similar forms and shows concrete steps: a letter to the landlord, setting deadlines, securing evidence and what to do if there is no response. Technical terms are explained simply so you can act without legal expertise and know when court clarification is necessary. At the end you will find answers to frequent questions and a step-by-step guide for quick action.

What rights do tenants have when internet is disrupted?

In principle, the landlord is obliged to hand over and maintain the rented property in a condition that conforms to the contract. If the internet supply guaranteed in the rental agreement fails, this may constitute a defect justifying a rent reduction. Report the defect immediately in writing and set a reasonable deadline for remediation.^[1]

Quick checklist

• Document outages with date, time and duration as well as screenshots or log files.
• Send a formal defect notice to the landlord and request a deadline for remediation.
• Set a clear deadline (e.g. 14 days) and announce possible further steps.
• Insist on repair or replacement of defective shared hardware like routers or the building connection.
• Avoid unilateral rent reductions without prior notice; instead document your steps.

Forms and templates

There is no single national mandatory form collection for all cases, but helpful standard documents include:

• Written defect notice (Mängelrüge) – use a short letter describing the fault, date and deadline.^[1]
• Sample termination letter for long-term obligations – only if other legal prerequisites are met; check tenancy law first.^[2]
• Application or information on the housing entitlement certificate (WBS) when needed for subsidized housing; regional offices provide official forms.^[3]

If the landlord does not react, legal action is possible; jurisdiction is usually the local court (Amtsgericht) for tenancy disputes, with higher courts and the BGH for appeals.^[2][4]

FAQ

Who decides on rent reduction for missing internet?

The amount and entitlement to a rent reduction is decided by the competent court in case of dispute; beforehand tenants should report the defect in writing and set deadlines.

Can I reduce the rent if the dorm Wi‑Fi fails?

A rent reduction is possible if the internet supply was contractually guaranteed or is essential for the use of the flat; document the problem carefully.

Who do I contact if the defect is not fixed?

First contact the landlord, then the local district court (Amtsgericht) for tenancy disputes; legal advice may become necessary.

How-To

1. Step 1: Document the outage precisely with times, devices and evidence.
2. Step 2: Send a written defect notice to the landlord and demand a deadline for rectification.
3. Step 3: Set a reasonable deadline (e.g. 14 days) and announce next steps.
4. Step 4: Request technical inspection and replacement of defective hardware.
5. Step 5: Seek legal advice or tenant counseling if there is no response.
6. Step 6: File a claim at the local court if all extrajudicial measures fail.

Help and Support / Resources

• Law texts: BGB and ZPO at Gesetze im Internet
• Case law: Decisions of the Federal Court of Justice (BGH)
• WBS information: Service Berlin (example of regional forms)

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB), §§ 535–580a
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
3. [3] Berlin Service: Housing Entitlement Certificate (WBS) information
4. [4] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – decisions