Tenant Rights for Viewings in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, you often face questions about viewing appointments, landlord access and properly recording damages or conversations. This article explains in plain language which legal rights and obligations you have, when the landlord may order a viewing and how to document invitations, appointments or unannounced visits. You will learn practical steps to protect your privacy, examples of wording for letters and how to observe deadlines and file objections. We also show which local courts are responsible, which official forms are used and how documented evidence can help in court. The goal is that you feel more confident and can effectively assert your rights in tenancy matters in Germany.

Rights for Viewings and Access

Fundamentally, §§ 535–580a of the BGB govern the duties and rights arising from the tenancy; many questions about access and viewings derive from these provisions.^[1] For legal actions or formal lawsuits, the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) applies.^[2] Minor tenancy disputes are usually heard before the competent local court (Amtsgericht).^[3]

When may the landlord enter the apartment?

• In emergencies (e.g., water damage), the landlord or technicians may enter to eliminate acute danger.
• For planned viewings, prior notice is usually required; the appointment should take place within a reasonable time.
• The landlord must state the purpose of the viewing (e.g., re-letting, repairs, meter readings).
• Unannounced entries without urgent reason or tenant consent are not permitted.

Recording: What belongs in a secure protocol?

A protocol helps to clarify disputes later. Name date, time, attendees, discussed points and visible damages. Add photos, timestamps and, if possible, a signed attendance list.

• Take clear photos with date/time and short descriptions.
• Write a short protocol and send it by email to the landlord for confirmation.
• Keep original messages, call logs and witness statements.
• Note deadlines, e.g., for repair notices or objections.

FAQ

May the landlord enter the apartment without my consent?

No, not without consent or an urgent reason; immediate entry is allowed in emergencies.

How do I cancel a viewing appointment or object?

Cancellations or objections should be made in writing, by email or registered mail, with reasons and a suggestion for an alternative appointment.

Which evidences are useful in court?

Photos with timestamps, protocols, witness statements and email correspondence are particularly helpful.

How-To

1. Note the date and time of the viewing immediately and create a short protocol.
2. Photograph relevant defects with timestamps and store the files securely.
3. Send the protocol by email to the landlord and request an acknowledgment of receipt.
4. Observe statutory deadlines for objections or rent reductions and note them in the protocol.
5. If necessary, submit evidence to the competent local court or obtain legal advice.

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet – BGB §§ 535–580a
• Gesetze im Internet – Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
• Justizportal – Informationen zu Amtsgerichten

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet – BGB §§ 535–580a
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet – Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
3. [3] Justizportal – Informationen zu Amtsgerichten