Tenant Tips: Dorm Internet Rights in Germany

As a tenant in a dormitory in Germany you often face technical and formal questions about internet access, house rules and responsibilities. This guide explains in clear language which duties landlords have, when tenants can use rights such as rent reduction or claims for damages, and how to systematically document outages. You will get practical steps for reporting faults, preparing evidence and acting if the landlord or operator does not respond. I also show which official forms and which court are responsible so you can meet deadlines and prepare formal steps securely. The aim is to make you capable of acting and to resolve conflicts pragmatically.

Rights and duties for internet in dormitories

Landlords must keep the rental property in a condition suitable for contractual use; tenancy law (§§ 535–580a BGB) regulates this.^[1] In dormitories the house rules also apply: they can set rules for shared Wi‑Fi, bandwidth use or access. First check the tenancy agreement and the house rules before taking technical steps.

House rules, technology and responsibility

The landlord is not always solely responsible: the dorm operator or an external internet provider may be liable. Clarify responsibility in writing and record technical details (provider, router location, connection type). If repairs are needed, document appointments and communications.

• Check the house rules to see if shared Wi‑Fi or access rules are defined.
• Report defects in writing and collect evidence (screenshots, log data, date/time).
• Set deadlines: give the landlord time to respond and, if necessary, send a reminder within 14 days.
• Clarify repair responsibility; determine whether the landlord must pay or if rent reduction is possible.

Practical steps for an outage

Start by securing data: note outage times, run speed tests and collect all messages with landlord or provider. If the landlord does not respond, formal steps up to a suit at the competent local court may be necessary.^[2]

1. Collect evidence: timestamps, screenshots and connection logs.
2. Send a written defect notice to the landlord/operator and set a reasonable deadline (e.g. 14 days).
3. If no remedy occurs, consider rent reduction, claims for damages and prepare documents for potential legal action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reduce the rent if the internet fails?

Yes, if there are significant impairments a rent reduction may be possible. Document the outage and the extent of the restriction carefully and inform the landlord in writing.

Who pays for the router or line repair?

That depends on the contract: if internet access is part of the rent or operating costs, the landlord is often responsible. Otherwise the operator or the tenant may be liable; check the contract terms.

Where do I file a lawsuit?

For tenancy disputes, the local court (Amtsgericht) is usually competent; procedural matters are governed by the ZPO.^[2]

How-To

1. Gather evidence: time, screenshots, connection logs and record communications.
2. Send a written defect notice to the landlord and set a deadline for remedy (e.g. 14 days).
3. If no response, prepare documents for the competent local court and file a claim if necessary.

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB §§535–580a (Tenancy law)
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH)
• Federal Ministry of Justice (forms & info)

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§535–580a
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
3. [3] Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG)