Tenant Rights: Pets in Germany

Many tenants in Germany wonder how to approach keeping pets in apartment buildings without creating conflicts with landlords or neighbors. This article explains plainly what rights and duties tenants have, which rules are typically found in house rules, and how to communicate calmly with landlords and property managers. You will get concrete action steps for everyday situations such as registering a pet, dealing with noise or hygiene issues, and tips for documenting damage. The goal is to show practical solutions so that pet ownership and community life in apartment buildings can coexist with as few conflicts as possible.

Which rules apply?

Fundamentally, the Civil Code (BGB) regulates the obligations of landlords and tenants as well as contract content; important provisions are in §§ 535–580a. In disputes about pet ownership, the local court (Amtsgericht) can be competent; procedural rules are governed by the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO).^[1][2]

What belongs in communication with the landlord?

Write factually and document everything: pet name, behavior, desired start date of keeping the pet and possible lease amendments. Name concrete solutions (e.g. deposit, leash rules in stairwells, regular checks) instead of generalizations. If house rules exist, check whether they are effective or conflict with the BGB.

Important forms and templates (Practical examples)

• Termination letter (template) – if pet keeping is alleged by the landlord to justify termination; example: include date, reason and deadline in writing and send by registered mail.
• Rent reduction letter (template) – if pet keeping causes unreasonable impairments; example: describe the defect, start date and requested reduction amount.

Concrete steps in conflicts

Keep a defect log, collect evidence (photos, videos) and name witnesses if needed. Try mediation with the landlord or property manager before starting court proceedings.

FAQ

Do I need the landlord's permission to keep a pet?

Often permission is regulated in the lease or house rules; blanket prohibitions are assessed by courts for fairness. If not expressly forbidden, consent may still be required.

Can I reduce the rent if damage is caused by a pet?

If pet keeping impairs the usability of the apartment, a rent reduction may be possible; you need documentation of the defect and usually a request to remedy it.

What happens with nuisance from pets (e.g. dog barking)?

For repeated nuisance, document dates and durations; inform the landlord in writing and request measures. If nothing changes, further steps up to litigation are possible.

How-To

1. Inform the landlord in writing about the planned pet and state breed, size and rules for behavior.
2. Document all relevant incidents with dates, photos and witnesses as soon as a problem occurs.
3. Talk to neighbors and the landlord to agree on measures like house rules or trial periods.
4. If no agreement is reached, consider local court proceedings or mediation.

Help and Support / Resources

• Civil Code (BGB) – Landlord obligations
• Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) – Court procedures
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – Decisions

1. [1] BGB §535 – Pflichten des Vermieters
2. [2] ZPO – Zivilprozessordnung
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) – Entscheidungen