Notifying Entry: Tenant Rights in Germany

Landlords often announce entry for repairs, viewings or handovers. As a tenant in Germany you have privacy rights and clear rules for announced entry: your landlord must name appointments with reasonable notice, state concrete reasons and justify entering while you are absent. This page explains which deadlines apply, how to distinguish duties and exceptions, and which evidence is useful if a dispute arises. Read practical steps, form guides and tips on how to refuse entry, document damage or seek legal help if necessary. The aim is to give you clear action recommendations so you can protect your rights while taking legitimate access needs into account.

Rights and obligations for announced entry

Basically, tenancy law provisions in Germany regulate the duties of landlord and tenant. It is important: a landlord may not enter the apartment arbitrarily; announced entry must have a legitimate reason and be announced appropriately ^[1]. In many cases, deadlines and specific notifications are described in more detail in the lease or case law.

• Announcing repairs: landlords should state appointment, reason and the craftsmen involved.
• Viewings for prospective tenants: purpose and time span must be clearly specified.
• Handover appointments: agree on a protocol and witnesses if you are absent.

Entry during absence

Entry during your absence is only permitted within narrow limits: there must be a comprehensible reason (e.g. urgent repair) and the landlord must announce the entry or have a contractual agreement. If there is a dispute about unauthorized entry, local courts usually decide; you can assert injunctions or claims for damages there ^[2].

Documentation and evidence

Document all announcements, times, names of craftsmen and take photos. Clear evidence helps with rent reduction, injunctions or claims for damages. Use official templates for letters when you object or set deadlines, for example templates or forms from federal ministry websites ^[3].

FAQ

How much notice must the landlord give?

There is no single statutory period for all cases; usually a reasonable notice period applies that must be derived from the reason and urgency.

Can the landlord enter my home in my absence without permission?

Only in exceptional cases such as imminent danger or if a prior agreement exists. Otherwise you may refuse entry and consider legal action.

What if unauthorized entry happens repeatedly?

Document incidents, send a written cease-and-desist request and consider legal advice or involving the local court.

How-To

1. Note the date, time and reason of each announced entry notification.
2. Take photos and prepare a short protocol with witnesses if possible.
3. Use a template letter to send the landlord a written deadline or objection.
4. If problems persist, seek legal advice or contact the local tenant support service.

Help and Support / Resources

• Civil Code (BGB) – Full text
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – Rulings
• Federal Ministry of Justice – Forms & Templates

1. [1] German Civil Code (BGB), §535 et seq.
2. [2] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – Cases and information
3. [3] Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection – Forms and templates