Tenants in Germany: Fair Shared Kitchen Rules

As a tenant in Germany you may live in a special housing form or shared flat with communal kitchens. Such shared spaces are practical but often raise questions about cleaning, storage and costs. This guide explains in clear terms what rights and duties tenants have, how a fair usage regulation can look and which official forms and deadlines should be considered. You will find concrete examples for cleaning schedules, inventory lists and conflict solutions as well as practical steps to avoid disputes or to act legally if necessary. The aim is to give you, as a tenant in Germany, clear, actionable guidance so that communal kitchens work smoothly and problems are resolved objectively.

Rights and Obligations for Communal Kitchens

In principle, the BGB regulates duties and rights from the tenancy relationship, such as maintenance obligations and the duty to provide use according to §§ 535–580a BGB.^[1] In shared kitchens, additional rules from the lease agreement and possibly house rules apply; agreements between roommates are possible but must not contradict contractual or legal obligations.

Practical Examples for Fair Allocation

• Weekly cleaning schedule with rotating responsibility, fixed days and short deadlines.
• Inventory list for shared appliances and their use, including a rule for replacement purchases.
• Label storage zones (personal shelves vs. communal shelf) and introduce clear labeling.
• Agree in writing on cost sharing for consumables and arrange regular settlements.

How to Handle Conflicts?

First: calmly document, take photos and seek a conversation. If no agreement is possible, a written agreement or mediation by the property manager can help. In tougher cases, legal action is possible; the local court (Amtsgericht) is competent for many tenancy disputes.^[2]

Forms and Templates (When to Use Them)

Some relevant official forms or procedures are:

• Termination letter (for your own contractual relationship) – use the legal requirements from the BGB and observe notice periods.
• Application for payment order (Mahnverfahren) – useful if agreements on costs are not honored.
• Written defect notice to the landlord (for hygiene or safety defects) including a deadline for remedy.

Practical example: For repeated sink failures document photos, send a written defect notice with a deadline and, if there is no response, consider a payment order or court action.

FAQ

Can I demand a binding usage regulation for the communal kitchen?

Yes, roommates or the landlord can agree rules; however they must not contradict the tenancy agreement or legal duties.

What should I do about recurring hygiene or safety defects?

Report defects in writing to the landlord, set a reasonable deadline for remediation and document everything.

Who decides in ongoing disputes?

If no agreement is possible, the local court (Amtsgericht) usually decides; higher instances like the regional court and Federal Court of Justice (BGH) may clarify precedents.

How-To

1. Collect problems: note incidents, times and responsible persons.
2. Create a proposal: draft a written cleaning schedule, storage rules and cost sharing.
3. Hold a discussion: present the proposal to roommates or the landlord in writing.
4. Document the agreement: have all parties sign the rules or confirm by email.
5. Set deadlines: set written deadlines for remedy in case of defects and document them.
6. Final step: if not complied with, consider official routes such as a payment order or court action at the local court.

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB §§535–580a on Gesetze-im-Internet.de
• ZPO on Gesetze-im-Internet.de
• Information on payment orders and court procedures on Justiz.de

1. [1] BGB §§535–580a on Gesetze-im-Internet.de
2. [2] ZPO on Gesetze-im-Internet.de