Property Manager Representatives in WGs: Tenant Rights Germany

As a tenant in a shared flat (WG) in Germany, you often face questions about privacy and access when representatives of the property manager want to enter. This article explains clearly and practically when you must allow a representative, what rights and duties landlords and agents have, and how to protect your personal areas. I describe sensible steps such as documentation, formal letters and deadlines, and name official authorities and forms that help in disputes. The language remains simple so you as a tenant can quickly decide whether a request for access is lawful and how to respond appropriately.

When representatives are allowed

The rules on landlord duties and tenancy law are mainly in the Civil Code (BGB), especially §§ 535–580a, which also cover questions of access rights^[1]. Representatives of the property manager may enter the flat if there are concrete legal or contractual reasons or an urgent emergency.

• Emergencies (e.g. burst pipe) – immediate access is permitted for safety reasons.
• Urgent repairs or maintenance with prior notification.
• Agreed viewing appointments for handover or rental purposes.
• Access for meter readings or other legitimate purposes with reasonable prior notice.

Access rights and privacy

Even if access is justified, everyone in the WG has a right to privacy. A blanket opening of all private rooms is not permitted; communal areas and agreed access points may be treated differently. If a landlord or representative appears without legal basis or without notice, you can refuse access and secure evidence. For eviction actions and formal procedures, the rules of the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) also apply^[2], and disputes are often handled by the local court (Amtsgericht)^[3].

• Document time, name of the person and reason for access.
• Request written notice or a power of attorney from the property manager.
• Point out which areas are private and must not be entered.
• Contact roommates and clarify joint decisions quickly.

How tenants can respond

When you receive a request for access, quickly check: is it an emergency, a contractual duty, or an agreed appointment? If unsure, request a written explanation or power of attorney; templates and forms can help, such as a power of attorney statement or a short objection letter^[4]. Documentation and questions are often enough to prevent conflicts.

1. Record date, time, name and purpose of the access request.
2. Request written confirmation or power of attorney and note details.
3. Set a reasonable deadline for clarification (e.g. 3–7 days) and respond within that time.
4. If necessary, inform the local court or use mediation before court action.

FAQ

May a property manager representative enter my WG without my consent?

No, generally not without a justified reason; exceptions are emergencies or expressly agreed appointments.

What should a power of attorney or notice contain?

First and last name of the representative, reason for access, date and time, and where applicable a signature or official confirmation.

Who do I contact if access was unauthorized?

Document the incident, inform roommates and consider whether to initiate legal steps at the local court.

Are there official template forms for powers of attorney or complaints?

There are no uniform nationwide templates, but authorities and courts provide guidance and forms; use official offerings from your state justice authority.

How-To

1. Check whether an emergency or contractual duty exists.
2. Request written confirmation or power of attorney and note details.
3. Set a short deadline for clarification and respond on time.
4. If conflicts persist, seek advice or contact the local court.

Help and Support / Resources

• 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] BGB §§ 535–580a — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] ZPO — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof — bundesgerichtshof.de
4. [4] Templates and guidance — service.berlin.de