Playing Music as a Tenant in Germany: Avoid Conflicts

As a tenant in Germany, you want to play music without disturbing neighbors or risking legal problems. This article explains practical mistakes that often occur during practice, how house rules and tenancy law interact, and which steps you can take if complaints arise. You will receive clear guidance on quiet hours, noise measurements, communication with neighbors and how to act toward the landlord. I also show which forms and deadlines matter and how to secure evidence in case of an official complaint or a proceeding before the local court. The goal is to prevent conflicts early and find a fair solution for tenants and landlords in Germany.

Basic rules for tenants who play music

As a tenant, your rights and duties are governed by tenancy law (Sections 535–580a of the BGB)^[1]. The house rules may specify quiet times or rules for making music; such regulations are generally binding if agreed in the lease or house rules. Courts assess disturbances based on place, time, volume and type of music. If legal action looms, the rules of the Code of Civil Procedure for lawsuits and eviction suits also apply^[2].

Common mistakes

• Ignoring quiet hours and rehearsing frequently at prohibited times.
• Not coordinating with immediate neighbors before starting regular practice sessions.
• Lack of knowledge of the house rules or misinterpreting specific clauses.
• No documentation: missing measurements, photos or logs of disturbances.
• Aggressive responses to complaints instead of constructive communication.

What to do when there is a complaint?

Stay factual: ask for concrete examples (time, duration, type of noise) and offer solutions such as adjusted practice times or soundproofing measures. Inform the landlord in writing and keep copies. If no agreement is reached, mediation can help; as a last resort, a lawsuit at the competent local court may be necessary^[3]. Preserve all evidence like calendar entries, measurements or witness statements.

How-to

1. Check your lease and house rules for quiet time provisions and special clauses.
2. Keep a log with dates, times and durations of practice sessions and complaints.
3. Talk to affected neighbors and propose concrete solutions.
4. Implement simple soundproofing measures, e.g. rugs or positioning instruments differently.
5. If conflicts persist, inform the landlord in writing and review legal steps and official forms^[4].

FAQ

Can I play music anytime as a tenant?

No. Playing music must respect quiet hours and house rules; restrictions are possible when they are proportionate.

What should I do if the landlord issues a warning?

Read the warning carefully, respond in writing and collect counter-evidence; seek advice before deadlines expire.

When can a court become involved?

If mediation fails and the disturbance continues significantly, a lawsuit at the competent local court can follow; the court will then determine obligations and possible claims for damages.

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
• Justizportal of the Federal and State Courts
• Federal Ministry of Justice (forms & guidance)

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
3. [3] Justizportal of the Federal and State Courts
4. [4] Federal Ministry of Justice