Making Music as a Tenant in Germany: Rules & Respect

As a tenant in Germany you want to enjoy your music without disturbing neighbors or creating legal problems. This text explains clearly which duties you have as a tenant, how house rules and tenancy law interact, and when noise limits are exceeded. You will learn how to document noise, address conflicts calmly, and which deadlines and authorities are relevant in disputes. If necessary, we also show simple steps for sending formal letters or filing a claim at the local court and name official sources and templates so you can act with confidence.

Rights and obligations when making music

Landlords must keep the rental property in a contractually agreed condition; tenants must respect neighbors' rights. The BGB governs the main duties of landlord and tenant, such as maintenance and use of the rented property.^[1]

When is noise unlawful?

Noise is unlawful when it substantially impairs normal residential use or occurs regularly outside customary hours. House rules may set mandatory quiet times; violations can justify warnings or claims for damages if disturbances are provable.

• Document noise times and impacts (evidence), e.g., date, time, duration and type of sound.
• First speak in person with affected neighbors and the landlord (contact) to seek an amicable solution.
• Check the house rules and, if necessary, request compliance in writing (notice); set a clear deadline.

Forms, deadlines and official steps

If conversations do not help, send a written request with a deadline; continued disturbance may lead to rent reduction or a lawsuit. Procedural steps for eviction or claims are governed by the ZPO and usually take place before the local court.^[2] Templates for termination letters and formal notices are available from official bodies; use clear dates and wording in letters (e.g., "request to refrain by DD.MM.YYYY").^[3]

FAQ

Is making music generally permitted?

Yes, making music is generally permitted provided it does not unreasonably interfere with residential use and established quiet times and house rules are observed.

What steps should I take for repeated noise?

Document incidents, talk to neighbors and the landlord, send a written request with a deadline, and involve the local court if necessary.

When can I reduce the rent?

A rent reduction may be justified if the habitability of the apartment is significantly impaired by noise; check the scope and duration, document and seek legal advice.

How-To

1. Step 1: Check the house rules and start systematic documentation (evidence) of noise, times and witnesses.
2. Step 2: Talk to the affected neighbor and offer compromises (contact), e.g., rehearsals at set times.
3. Step 3: Send a written request with a deadline (notice) to the neighbor and landlord; attach copies of your documentation.
4. Step 4: If nothing changes, file a claim at the competent local court (court) or obtain legal advice.

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB §§ 535–580a – Legal text and rules for tenancy relationships
• Federal Court of Justice – rulings on tenancy law and noise disputes
• Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection – templates and guidance

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a — Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Templates and guidance — Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection