Notice of Entry 2025: Tenant Rights in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, it is important to know when a landlord may enter your apartment and which notice periods apply. This guide clearly explains your rights in 2025, the reasons that can justify entry, how formal notices must look, and how you can effectively object. I describe typical situations such as repairs, viewings, or handovers, name relevant sections of the BGB and show practical steps for documentation and timely response. The guidance is practice-oriented and helps you avoid conflicts or respond lawfully if your landlord demands entry without sufficient notice. I also show how to use official forms and which authorities can help in disputes.

What may the landlord do?

As a general rule, the landlord is entitled to access for legitimate purposes such as repairs, viewings, or handover. The duties and rights of landlord and tenant are regulated in the Civil Code (BGB)^[1]. In principle, entry must be announced and must not disproportionately violate privacy.

Notice periods and reasons

Concrete time limits are not always stated verbatim in the law; instead, reasonable lead times apply depending on the reason. Examples:

• For urgent repairs: usually as soon as necessary, often within hours to days.
• For viewings to re-rent: timely appointment scheduling.
• For planned maintenance or inspections: notice with a reasonable lead time.

What to do if entry is demanded without notice?

If a landlord demands entry without notice, document time, date, names and reason. Request a written notice and state that you will only agree with reasonable notice.

• Photograph or note the situation and possible damage.
• Contact the landlord in writing and set a deadline.
• For repeated entry without consent: consider legal action.

Formal steps and possible forms

For legal steps use official forms and guidance, for example the Civil Code online and procedural rules of the Code of Civil Procedure^[2]. Template forms are available from the Federal Ministry of Justice^[3].

• Template: Claim form (civil proceedings) — If the landlord violates your rights and you wish to sue, use the claim form; example: eviction claim after repeated unlawful entry.
• Info: Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) — Governs procedures and formal requirements for claims and eviction actions.
• BGB §§ 535–580a — Basic tenancy law rules on duties and rights of landlord and tenant.

Practice: Documentation and evidence preservation

Organize receipts, correspondence, photos and witness statements systematically. Comprehensive documentation strengthens your position before the local court.

• Save all messages by email or registered mail.
• For defects: send a defect notice to the landlord promptly.
• Record appointments and deadlines.

FAQ

How long before must an entry be announced?

There is no legally fixed period; the timing must be reasonable and depend on the reason. For routine viewings, several days' notice usually applies.

May the landlord enter the apartment without my presence?

Only in exceptional cases such as urgent emergencies or with your explicit consent. Otherwise your consent or reasonable notice is required.

Where can I turn if the landlord demands unlawful entry?

Contact the competent local court (Amtsgericht) for tenancy disputes or seek guidance via the official justice website.

How-To

1. Note date, time, names and reason for the entry attempt.
2. Send the landlord a written request for a formal notice.
3. Inform the local court if necessary or use legal advice.
4. If needed: file a claim using the official forms.

Help and Support

• BGB online — Gesetze im Internet
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH)
• Federal Ministry of Justice (forms and services)

---

1. [1] Civil Code (BGB) — Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) — Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — Home