Tenants: Resolve Neighborhood Harassment in Germany

Many tenants in Germany experience disturbances from neighborhood harassment after moving in. This guide explains how you as a tenant can recognize systematic harassment, persistent noise or intimidation, secure evidence and assert your rights under the Civil Code (BGB)^[1]. You will receive clear instructions for drafting a template letter to the neighbor or landlord, guidance on setting deadlines and documentation with noise logs, photos and witnesses, and information on when to involve the police or the local court^[3]. The language is easy to understand; there are concrete action steps, templates and references to official forms and authorities in Germany so you can enforce your tenant rights practically.

What is neighborhood harassment?

Neighborhood harassment includes systematic disturbances, intimidation or targeted harassment after moving in. It differs from occasional disputes because it is persistent, deliberate and aimed at exclusion or pressure. Typical consequences are sleep disturbances, anxiety and limitations in the use of the apartment.

• Document recurring noise at unusual times (date, time, duration).
• Record direct insults or threats in writing and, if possible, note witnesses.
• Photograph damages to property and store them securely.

Case examples and template letter

Below are three simplified case examples with template wordings that tenants can use as a basis. You should adapt each template to your case and keep the tone factual.

Case 1: Persistent nighttime noise

Example: Repeated loud music and threats at night since moving in. Procedure:

• Keep a noise log with date, time and description.
• Send a formal notice to the neighbor; set a clear deadline to stop the behavior.
• If there is no improvement, inform the landlord in writing and consider legal steps.

Template letter (short version)

Dear Ms./Mr. [Name],

Since my move-in on [date], there have been repeated significant nighttime disturbances and insulting remarks. Please cease these disturbances by [date, deadline]. Otherwise I reserve the right to take further steps, including informing the landlord and legal action.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Case 2: Intimidation and restricted access

Example: Threats in the stairwell or preventing the use of common areas. Procedure:

• Record incidents with date and witnesses.
• Send a written demand to the neighbor and inform the landlord.
• In case of acute threats, involve the police and document the report.

How-To

1. Collect evidence: noise logs, photos, messages and witness statements.
2. Draft a factual template letter to the perpetrator with a deadline.
3. Inform the landlord in writing and request remediation.
4. If unresolved: inquire about court procedures at the local court.

FAQ

What can I do if constant noise makes my apartment uninhabitable?

Document the noise with logs and evidence and inform the landlord in writing first. In cases of significant impairment, rent reduction may be considered; legal bases are in the BGB.^[1]

When is a template letter useful?

A template letter is useful to formally name the disturbance, set a deadline and create proof of efforts. Keep it factual and include a clear deadline.

When is the local court involved?

If extrajudicial steps fail and you need to enforce an injunction or damages, the local court is responsible.^[3]

Help and Support

• Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection
• Laws online (BGB, ZPO)
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH)

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1. [1] Civil Code (BGB) — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — bundesgerichtshof.de