Tenant Rights in Germany: Regulating WGs in Dorms

Many tenants assume WG rules in dorms are informal and legally unproblematic. In Germany, however, rights and duties are clearly regulated: tenancy agreement, maintenance, operating costs and termination fall under the protection of the BGB. This guide dispels common misconceptions, explains simple steps for reporting defects, setting deadlines and documenting evidence, and shows when a procedure at the local court is appropriate.^[2] It lists official forms and authorities so you can make informed decisions. The language is deliberately practical and jargon-free so students, trainees or working roommates can better assess their claims and duties in WG situations in dorms. If in doubt, find templates, deadlines and responsible courts below. The aim is to resolve conflicts early and avoid unnecessary costs.

Rights and Duties for WGs in Dorms

Shared apartments in dorms are also subject to the tenancy law of the BGB; central rules on maintenance and payment of operating costs are covered in §§ 535–580a BGB^[1]. For subsidised housing and eligibility rules, the Wohnraumförderungsgesetz applies^[5]. Make sure who is formally the tenant, because contractual responsibilities follow the lease.

Practical Steps for Defects and Disputes

• Send a written defect report and set a clear deadline (deadline) to the landlord.
• Document urgent repairs and request remediation if necessary (repair).
• Collect photos, chat logs and bills as evidence (evidence).
• If deadlines pass, consider claims or proceedings at the local court (court).
• Seek legal advice or tenant counselling before formal steps (contact).

Forms and Templates

Use official template letters for defect notices or terminations; the Federal Ministry of Justice provides guidance on forms and templates for consumers and tenancy issues^[4]. A simple defect notice should include date, description of the defect, a deadline for repair and a request for confirmation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who decides tenancy disputes in WG situations in a dorm?

For civil disputes, the local Amtsgericht is generally competent; appeals go to the Landgericht and ultimately the BGH.^[2]

What duties does the landlord have for heating failure or mold?

The landlord must remedy the defect and keep the apartment in a contract-compliant condition; rent reduction is possible if usability is impaired.^[1]

Can a roommate simply move out without the consent of others?

That depends on the lease: subletting rules differ from main lease agreements; joint main tenants should act together or check the contractual situation.

How-To

1. Document the defect immediately: photos, date, witnesses.
2. Send a formal defect notice to the landlord with a deadline.
3. Set a reasonable deadline for remediation and mention potential rent reduction.
4. If nothing changes, prepare documents for a claim at the local court.

Conclusion

WG living in a dorm works best with clear rules, good documentation and knowledge of your rights as a tenant in Germany. Small conflicts are often resolved without a lawyer; for complex cases legal advice and, if necessary, the local court will protect your rights.

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB §535 at Gesetze im Internet
• Federal Ministry of Justice – Forms and Info
• Federal Court of Justice – Decisions

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet — BGB §535
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet — ZPO
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof — Entscheidungen
4. [4] Bundesministerium der Justiz — Formulare und Infos
5. [5] Gesetze im Internet — WoFG