Tenants Report Discrimination by Origin in Germany
As a tenant in a German big city you may face disadvantage because of your origin—when looking for housing, during viewings, or in the tenancy itself. This text explains in clear language what rights you have, how to document incidents and where to find support. We outline the relevant legal bases, practical steps to report discrimination and which deadlines and evidence matter. The goal is that as a tenant in Germany you can more confidently decide when to file a complaint, involve authorities or courts and which official forms to use. The guidance is general; for complex cases seek advice. Use the links at the end for official agencies and forms.
What to do if you face discrimination because of origin
If you are excluded, denied or treated differently as a tenant, different legal routes may be available. German tenancy law in the German Civil Code (BGB) regulates landlord and tenant duties and often forms the basis for civil claims[1]. For discrimination based on personal characteristics the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) applies, prohibiting discrimination in areas such as housing[4]. Local courts (Amtsgerichte) are generally responsible for practical tenancy cases; appeals go to regional courts and the Federal Court of Justice[2].
What to document
Collect all relevant evidence: messages, emails, photos of listings or the property condition, names of witnesses and notes of conversations. Date, time and location are important. If possible, record exact wording used in rejections or inappropriate questions during viewings. Such documents help when filing complaints with authorities or courts.
Immediate practical steps
- Note deadlines (time): check whether deadlines for objections or lawsuits apply.
- Secure evidence (evidence): save screenshots, photos and emails centrally.
- Use complaint form (form): use the Antidiscrimination Agency's contact form for formal complaints.
- Contact authorities (contact): call the responsible office if quick help is needed.
- Check legal steps (court): if necessary, prepare a lawsuit and file documents at the local court.
Forms and official templates
Relevant official forms include the Antidiscrimination Agency's contact/complaint form for discrimination cases and the general court forms for civil proceedings. The Antidiscrimination Agency accepts complaints and advises on next steps; for legal disputes the court forms are required. If you want to resist a termination or eviction, check the formal requirements under the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) and the BGB[2][1].
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can a landlord in Germany refuse applicants because of origin?
- No, refusal solely due to origin may violate the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG); authorities and courts assess individual cases[4].
- Who should I contact first if I experience discrimination?
- Contact the Antidiscrimination Agency first for advice and possibly mediation; simultaneously secure evidence and speak with the property manager or legal counsel.
- When should I involve the local court?
- If out-of-court measures do not resolve the issue or you want to enforce damages or an injunction, the competent local court (Amtsgericht) is usually the right place to file a lawsuit[2].
How-To
- Collect evidence (evidence): gather messages, photos, emails and witness names in chronological order.
- Use the complaint form (form): complete the Antidiscrimination Agency contact form and attach documents.
- Seek advice (contact): contact advisory services or tenant associations for legal support.
- Check deadlines (time): note all deadlines for objections or lawsuits.
- File a lawsuit if needed (court): prepare a statement of claim and file it at the competent local court.
- Protect data (safety): share only necessary personal data and store copies securely.
Help and Support / Resources
- Antidiscrimination Agency of the Federal Government
- Gesetze im Internet: BGB
- Justice Portal of the Federal Government and the Länder
