Tenants in Germany: Document Dorm Internet Problems

As a tenant in Germany, you should systematically document problems with internet access, surveillance, or data privacy in dormitories. This helps enforce your rights when connection issues, unwanted data sharing, or privacy breaches occur. Record times, save evidence photos and logs, and communicate in writing with the landlord or housing management. This way you can substantiate rent reductions, complaints, or legal actions and decide whether to report to the data protection authority. Note the relevant tenancy-law rules and deadlines so your documentation remains admissible in court or negotiations.

Why documentation matters

Good documentation shows how often and how severely a problem occurs and protects your rights as a tenant under the German Civil Code (BGB §§ 535–580a).^[1] Detailed evidence makes discussions with landlord or operator easier and is often required for successful rent reductions or legal actions.^[2]

What to document

• Photos and videos of outages, error messages, or visible devices.
• Date and exact time of each disruption or observation.
• Written communication with landlord, management, or the IT operator (emails, SMS, notes).
• Logs of speed tests (upload/download, ping) and technical logs.

How to document incidents in a privacy-compliant way

When collecting evidence: collect only as much personal data as necessary. Record facts (date, time, effect) only. If you must store third-party personal data, protect files with access restrictions or encrypted archives. For privacy breaches, you can file a complaint with the competent data protection authority.^[4]

Practical steps

1. Notify the landlord or management in writing and request confirmation.
2. Secure evidence: screenshots, speed tests, photos, and notes of conversations.
3. Record deadlines and respond promptly to replies or time limits.
4. Consider legal steps (e.g., rent reduction, lawsuit): reference procedural rules and jurisdictions under the ZPO when preparing.^[2]
5. For privacy issues, consider filing a report with the data protection authority or seeking consumer advice.^[4]

FAQ

Can I reduce rent as a tenant for dorm internet quality?

Yes, significant impairments of the agreed use can justify rent reduction; carefully document the scope and duration of outages and refer to the relevant BGB provisions.^[1]

Who should I contact first about privacy concerns?

First inform the landlord or operator in writing and request a statement; if violations continue, contact the competent state data protection authority or the federal commissioner.

Which court handles a tenancy dispute?

Tenancy disputes are usually heard in the competent local court (Amtsgericht) in the first instance; solid evidence and adherence to deadlines are helpful.

How-To

1. Record the problem in writing with date, time, and a short description.
2. Collect evidence (screenshots, logs, photos) and store copies securely.
3. Send a formal notice to landlord or management and request a remedy by a deadline.
4. If no remedy occurs, consider legal action or reporting to the data-protection authority.

Key Takeaways

• Diary entries and evidence are crucial for rent or privacy claims.
• Observe deadlines and respond in writing.
• Use official templates and consult authorities if unsure.

Help and Support / Resources

• German Civil Code (BGB) §§ 535–580a — gesetze-im-internet.de
• BMJ model letters and guidance — bmj.de
• Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information — bfdi.bund.de

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Bundesministerium der Justiz — Musterbriefe und Hinweise
4. [4] Bundesbeauftragter für den Datenschutz und die Informationsfreiheit — bfdi.bund.de