Playing Music Considerately: Tenant Guide Germany
Many tenants in Germany want to play music without disturbing neighbors or risking conflicts with the property management. This guide explains in simple language which rules in the lease and house rules are important, how to document noise, and how to resolve conflicts calmly and legally. We explain tenant and landlord rights under the BGB, name competent courts, and show concrete steps: inform, document, send a written warning and—if necessary—take legal action. The goal is that you as a tenant can pursue your hobby while respecting quiet hours and communal rights.
When is playing music allowed?
Basically, the lease and house rules determine which regulations apply. However, there are general expectations of consideration: fixed quiet hours, avoiding loud practice times in the evening, and consideration in shared spaces.
- Observe local quiet hours and times (time) for loud practice.
- Contact neighbors (contact) before long rehearsals and agree on possible conflict times.
- Check suitable soundproofing measures, e.g. carpets or a practice room with insulation (repair).
- Read and understand the house rules to see if there are special provisions for playing music.
Practical steps for noise complaints
If neighbors complain, stay calm and work systematically: document, respond in writing, seek compromises. Documentation helps later in legal matters.
- Document disturbances: date, time, volume and instrument type (document).
- Send a written complaint or warning to the perpetrator or landlord if necessary (notice).
- Contact the landlord or property management and offer solutions (contact).
Formal rights, laws and courts
Rights and obligations regarding rent, use and termination are set out in the BGB (§§ 535–580a)[1]. Court procedures are regulated by the ZPO[2]. Tenancy disputes usually start at the Amtsgericht (civil jurisdiction), and in special cases higher instances such as the Landgericht or the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) apply[3].
Concrete advice: Termination or eviction is only permitted with legal grounds; landlords must comply with deadlines and formal requirements. For noise disturbances, documentation and a formal warning usually help before court action is necessary.
Templates and official forms
There is no nationwide mandatory "noise template" for tenants, but the following procedures and form types are relevant:
- Written warning/request to the responsible person (notice): Keep it short and factual, state date, time and the desired change.
- Reminder or complaint to the local court (notice/court): If talks fail, follow with a formal complaint or lawsuit.
- Documentation sheet (document): Collect evidence such as logs, witness statements and any measurements.
FAQ
- 1) Am I allowed to play music in my rental apartment?
- Yes, in principle tenants may play music as long as the house rules and quiet hours are respected and there is no unreasonable disturbance.
- 2) What should I do if neighbors report noise?
- Document the incidents, talk to the neighbors and if necessary send a written agreement or warning; contact the landlord if no solution is possible.
- 3) Can the landlord terminate because of music?
- Termination is only possible if the disturbance is significant and warnings have no effect; legal requirements are set out in the BGB and procedures in the ZPO.
How-To
- Document disturbances in detail (document): date, time, duration, type of noise.
- Talk to the neighbor or property management (contact) and suggest specific times or soundproofing.
- Send a written warning (notice) with a deadline for remedy if noise persists.
- If no agreement is reached, consider filing a claim at the local court (court) with your documentation.
- Use mediation or conciliation as an alternative before taking the matter to court (approved).
