Tenants: Strollers in Hallways 2025 Germany

Many tenants in Germany face the problem that strollers take up space in shared hallways or obstruct escape routes. Such situations often cause disputes between neighbors, lead to violations of the house rules, or can even trigger legal action. As a tenant you should know your rights and obligations, be ready to communicate, and document where and how strollers are stored. This article provides practical tips to avoid common mistakes, guidance on interpreting house rules, examples for written requests to neighbors and notes on official forms and courts that may be responsible if needed. We explain the most important sections of the BGB and the ZPO in clear terms, offer useful phrasing and show how documentation and deadlines help resolve conflicts objectively in 2025.

Why strollers in the hallway are problematic

Strollers can be problematic in hallways for several reasons: they block escape routes, reduce accessibility for other residents and may be used as permanent storage contrary to the house rules. Conflicts often arise because people have different expectations about use and order. Before escalating, check the house rules and try to find an amicable solution.

Common tenant mistakes

• Leaving the stroller permanently in the hallway even though the house rules prohibit it.
• Not talking to neighbors or the landlord and ignoring conflicts.
• Lack of documentation: no photos, no notes on date and time.
• Moving or locking shared areas without agreement.
• Blocking escape routes or placing objects so safety is impaired.

Practical steps for tenants

Start with a friendly conversation: often a short request or offering to move the stroller temporarily helps. If that is not enough, document the problem in writing, note date and time and take photos. Formulate a clear request to the neighbor or landlord and set a reasonable deadline for removal or clarification.

• Seek a personal conversation and offer solutions.
• Send a written request with a deadline: state date, place and requested change.
• Take photos and note witnesses to document the condition.
• Propose alternative storage locations, e.g. cellar space or a shared storage area.

Forms and legal steps

Most conflicts do not require immediate litigation. The relevant legal bases are the BGB for tenancy rights and the ZPO for court procedures. If a formal complaint becomes necessary, possible steps include:

• A written warning to the neighbor or tenant: demand removal within a clear deadline.
• If there is no response: filing a claim at the competent local court (civil decision, e.g. injunction).
• In urgent cases: application for interim relief under the ZPO to achieve an immediate ruling.

Example wording: "Please no longer leave the stroller in the hallway by [date], as it obstructs the escape route. Otherwise I reserve the right to take further steps." Attach dates and photos to such letters.

FAQ

1) May I leave a stroller in the hallway?

That depends on the house rules and local fire safety regulations. If the stroller blocks an escape route, it is generally prohibited. Also check contractual provisions and sections of the BGB.^[1]

2) What can I do if neighbors complain?

First have a clarifying conversation, document your usage and offer alternatives. If that does not help, send a written request with a deadline; as a last option a court application at the local court may follow.^[2]

3) Can the landlord demand removal?

Yes, if the storage location violates the house rules or safety regulations. In cases of dispute the competent court, usually the local court, will decide.^[3]

How-To

1. Talk politely to the neighbor and explain the situation.
2. Make photos and notes: document date, time and location.
3. Send a written request with a clear deadline (e.g. 7–14 days).
4. If there is no response: seek legal advice and consider filing at the local court.
5. In urgent cases: apply for interim relief to obtain immediate measures.

Help and Support

• BGB §§535–580a – Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (Gesetze im Internet)
• ZPO – Zivilprozessordnung (Gesetze im Internet)
• Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) – Official website

1. [1] BGB §§535–580a — Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (gesetze-im-internet.de)
2. [2] ZPO — Zivilprozessordnung (gesetze-im-internet.de)
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice — Official website (bundesgerichtshof.de)