Tenant Guide: Organizing Shared Kitchens in Germany

As a tenant in Germany you may live in varied housing forms, often with shared kitchens in multi-occupancy buildings or special housing arrangements. Disputes about cleaning, use or costs arise quickly when no clear rules exist. This guide explains five practical steps tenants can take to assert their rights under tenancy law, create shared rules and resolve issues calmly. It describes concrete agreements, suitable forms, how to document defects and when a court needs to be involved. The language is practical and easy to understand; the goal is to avoid conflicts and, if necessary, proceed safely through legal channels in Germany.

Rights and duties in shared kitchens

In general, the lease and the German Civil Code (BGB) regulate the obligations of landlord and tenant, especially regarding maintenance and the provision of rental premises^[1]. Shared kitchens often involve additional agreements or house rules that specify use, cleaning and cost allocation. If something does not work or the kitchen becomes unusable, a rent reduction may be considered; document defects carefully and check the BGB requirements.

Agree concrete rules

Agree on simple written rules, e.g. cleaning rosters, storage space and cost sharing. Clear rules reduce conflicts and create transparency.

• Create a weekly cleaning schedule with fixed days and responsible persons.
• Document shared expenses for cleaning supplies or repairs and set billing intervals.
• Record agreements in writing and have all affected parties sign.

Document and report defects

Documentation is crucial: date, description, photos and witnesses reduce disputes. Report major damages in writing to the landlord immediately and request a deadline for repair.

• Keep a defect log with date and photo as evidence.
• Set a reasonable deadline for repair (e.g. 14 days) and document service of the notice.
• In case of health hazards (mold, broken heating), report the defect immediately and insist on immediate measures.

Forms and templates

Official statutes and sample letters help with timely and properly formatted communication. For terminations, defect notifications or rent reduction notices there are templates and legal bases you should use^[2][3].

• Termination letter templates from the Federal Ministry of Justice can be helpful for formally correct terminations.
• Use a standardized defect report with photos and witness statements.

FAQ

Who is responsible for cleaning the shared kitchen?

That depends on the lease, house rules or a separate agreement among tenants; without regulation the landlord is responsible for maintenance, while users must use the space properly.

Can tenants reduce rent if the kitchen is unusable?

Yes, a rent reduction can be justified for significant impairment of use; document defects and inform the landlord in writing.

Where do I go for serious disputes?

For unresolved conflicts the local district court (Amtsgericht) handles tenancy disputes; the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) decides on appeals and precedents^[4].

How-To

1. Step 1: Document the defect immediately with photos, date and description.
2. Step 2: Send a written defect notice to the landlord and request a deadline for repair.
3. Step 3: Wait for the set deadline; keep records of deadlines and responses in writing.
4. Step 4: If the landlord does not respond adequately, prepare court action and seek advice; the district court is the first instance.
5. Step 5: Compile all evidence and proceed with the judicial or extrajudicial steps.

Help and Support

• Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection
• Gesetze im Internet (statute texts, e.g., BGB, ZPO)
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – Decisions

1. [1] German Civil Code (BGB) §§535–580a - gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) - gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Operating Costs Ordinance (BetrKV) - gesetze-im-internet.de
4. [4] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) - bundesgerichtshof.de