Playing Music in Apartment Buildings: Tenants Germany

Many tenants in Germany wonder how loud they may play music in their apartment and what rights and duties apply. This practical guide explains clearly when playing music is considered disturbing, how tenancy law, house rules and neighborhood law interact and what steps tenants can take in case of conflicts. You will learn how to document disturbances, how to correctly draft formal letters to the landlord and which deadlines must be observed. I also provide tips on compromises with neighbors, allowable times and legal options if discussions do not help. The aim is to empower tenants, resolve conflicts practically and show legally sound paths in Germany. The guidance is based on relevant provisions such as §§ 535–580a BGB^[1] and offers practical wording for letters as well as courts as competent authorities.

What applies when playing music?

Basically, tenancy law protects the use of the apartment, but the use must not unreasonably disturb the community. Tenants' rights derive from the Civil Code (BGB) and from the house rules. If playing music leads to significant impairments, this can result in measures ranging from a warning to rent reduction or, in extreme cases, termination.

Conflict avoidance and neighborhood

Many conflicts can be resolved through clear rules and agreements: agree on usual practice times, reduce volume at sensitive times and consider technical measures such as soundproofing mats or headphones. Landlords and property managers can also mediate or recommend technical solutions.

Practical steps for noise

• Record time and duration (time): note date, start and end of the disturbing music.
• Collect evidence (evidence): photos, audio recordings, messages and witnesses.
• Notify the landlord in writing (notice): describe the disturbance, demand remedy and set a deadline.
• Check rent reduction and deadlines (rent): only possible for significant and persistent impairment of use.
• If escalation is necessary: prepare a lawsuit or eviction claim and contact the competent courts (court).

If you write to the landlord, state the disturbances specifically, attach evidence and set a reasonable deadline for remedy. Use plain, factual language and keep copies of all correspondence. If the landlord does not react, tenants can examine their rights, such as rent reduction or injunctions.

Frequently Asked Questions

May I play music in my apartment at any time?

No. House rules, the tenancy agreement and the duty of mutual consideration limit permitted volume and times.

When is a rent reduction possible due to noise?

When there are significant and persistent impairments to living quality, a rent reduction may be considered; documentation and deadline setting are helpful.

Which court do I turn to in an unresolved dispute?

Usually local courts (Amtsgerichte) are competent in the first instance; higher instances are Landgerichte and the Federal Court of Justice (BGH).^[3]

How-To

1. Document disturbances: note date, time, duration and type of music (time).
2. Collect evidence such as photos, recordings and written witness statements (evidence).
3. Inform the landlord in writing with a deadline for remedy (notice).
4. If no solution is possible, prepare court action and inform the competent local court (court).^[2]

Help and Support

• Civil Code (BGB) – gesetze-im-internet.de
• Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) – gesetze-im-internet.de
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – bundesgerichtshof.de

1. [1] Civil Code (BGB) – gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) – gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – bundesgerichtshof.de