Tenant Rights: Strollers in Germany

Many tenants in Germany face the question of whether strollers may be stored permanently in the building hallway. Beyond practical reasons like limited space and accessibility, house rules, fire safety and the rights of other residents matter. This guide explains in plain language which legal rules are relevant, which steps you as a tenant can take without a lawyer, and which official forms or authorities to involve. You will learn how to document conflicts, observe deadlines and when a complaint to the local court or mediation makes sense. The guidance is based on applicable law and practice in Germany in 2025. I also list official links and template forms so you can find the relevant authority pages directly.

What applies legally to strollers in hallways?

Essentially, the BGB regulates tenants' and landlords' duties and rights, for example regarding use, maintenance and hazards in communal areas.^[1] Additionally, fire safety and escape route rules apply: hallways must not be blocked so that rescue routes are impaired. In disputes, it often matters whether the storage disturbs the community or creates a safety risk.

Practical pros & cons and neighborhood

Consider fairness, safety and available storage. First check the house rules and speak with the landlord before storing items permanently.

• Flurfreiheit and entry: Make sure escape and access routes are not blocked.
• safety: Fire protection and statutory requirements take precedence over convenience.
• Contact: Talk to neighbors and the landlord before filing a formal complaint.
• evidence: Document photos, times and witnesses in case of later disputes.

What to do in conflicts? Steps without a lawyer

If a conversation does not help, follow structured steps: first review the house rules in writing and request clarification from the landlord. For formal steps, deadlines and the correct use of forms are important; procedural rules are found in the ZPO.^[2] In Germany, local courts often decide tenancy disputes; appeals go to the higher regional courts and in special cases to the Federal Court of Justice (BGH).^[3]

How-To

1. Document: Photograph the storage spot and record date and time.
2. Contact: Speak first with the neighbor or landlord and note the conversation.
3. form: Ask the landlord in writing and use official forms if necessary.^[4]
4. within 14 days: Set a reasonable deadline (e.g. within 14 days) for a response and track it.
5. court: Only as a last resort, consider filing at the local court (Amtsgericht).

Additional notes on forms and records

There is no single "stroller-in-hallway" form, but the Federal Ministry of Justice provides templates and guidance for notices, acknowledgements and correspondence.^[4] Use clearly dated letters and send important communications by registered mail when deadlines matter.

FAQ

May I store my stroller in the hallway?

It depends on house rules, fire protection and hallway size; permanent obstruction is usually not permitted.

What if the landlord forbids storage?

Check the written house rules and seek discussion; if unclear, deadlines, forms and possibly the local court may decide.^[2]

Which evidence helps in a dispute?

Photos, logs of conversations, emails or registered letters and witness statements are helpful.

How-To (English)

1. Document: Photograph and log the issue.
2. Contact: Talk to landlord or management and request clarification.
3. form: Send a dated written notice or registered letter if needed.
4. within 14 days: Set a clear response deadline and keep records.
5. court: Only as a last step, file with the local court (Amtsgericht).

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet (info) – BGB §535ff
• Bundesgerichtshof (info) – Court information
• Bundesministerium der Justiz (info) – Forms & templates

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet – BGB §535ff
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet – ZPO (Zivilprozessordnung)
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof – Information on jurisdiction
4. [4] Federal Ministry of Justice – Forms