Tenant Guide: Documenting WG in Dorms, Germany

Rights and duties in a WG in a dorm

As a tenant you are entitled to a habitable dwelling under the rules of the BGB (§§ 535–580a)^[1]. In a dorm the house rules and the operator's special regulations also apply; clarify whether the house rules are part of your tenancy agreement. Record conversations with the landlord, time and names of witnesses so you have evidence later.

Documentation: what and how

The best documentation is simple and traceable: photos, exact time stamps, witness names and written communications. Also record when you set which deadline.

• Photos (photo) with date (date) and context.
• Save all messages in writing (document) – email, chat, notice board.
• Note deadlines (deadline) — when defects were reported and which deadlines are running.
• Report repair requests (repair) and set a reasonable deadline.
• Document house-rule violations (record) with date and witnesses.

When rent reduction or termination?

For substantial defects, a rent reduction may be appropriate; check the requirements in §§ 536 ff. BGB and document defects carefully before reducing rent. Termination (with or without notice) has specific conditions and deadlines; if unclear, the local Amtsgericht may be competent if the matter goes to court^[2].

Forms and templates

Useful forms include templates for a termination letter (tenancy), written defect reports and, if necessary, complaint forms for an eviction action. Use official templates or follow templates from the justice authorities to avoid formal errors^[3].

FAQ

How do I document damage in a WG in a dorm?

Take photos of damage with a date, briefly describe the location, save all messages and name witnesses in a log.

Can the house rules impose more than the tenancy agreement?

The house rules can contain supplementary rules but must not conflict with mandatory law or the tenancy agreement.

Where do I turn for unclear legal steps?

For court clarification the local Amtsgericht is responsible; for legal questions official advisory bodies and the justice administration can help.

How-To

1. Take photos (photo): immediately capture the damage from multiple angles.
2. Record date and time (deadline): note it on the photo or in the log.
3. Report in writing (form): send defects by email or letter to the landlord/caretaker.
4. Name witnesses (contact): document roommates or caretaker as witnesses.
5. When in dispute (court): seek advice first and then, if necessary, file at the local Amtsgericht.

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet (BGB)
• Federal Court (BGH)
• Justice Portal / Courts

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) - gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) - gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection - bmjv.de