Protect Dorm Internet: Tenant Rights in Germany

Many tenants in Germany live in shared flats or dormitories where communal internet access is often provided by the property management or landlord. If the connection fails, is throttled, or restricted by rules in the house regulations, precise documentation and knowledge of your rights are important. This guide explains in plain language how to practically document problems with access, speed and access rules, which provisions in the house rules matter, and when formal steps make sense. It describes which evidence is useful, how to meet deadlines and notifications correctly, and which courts or authorities to contact in Germany. The goal is to empower tenants and provide practical steps for quick solutions.

What applies legally to internet access in a dormitory?

In many cases, internet provision is not explicitly part of the rental obligation unless a specific supply standard is assured in the rental contract or house rules. However, the landlord's general duties to maintain the rental property may apply if missing or deficient network service significantly restricts the usability of the dwelling^[1].

Immediate measures: securing evidence and reporting

Follow these steps immediately after a problem occurs so you can credibly prove later what happened and when.

• Send a written defect notice to the landlord or property management and set a clear deadline for remedy.
• Keep logs: date, time, duration of outages, speed test results and error messages.
• Save emails, chats and screenshots of reports to the management and any replies.
• Check the house rules and your rental contract for internet provisions and document relevant passages.

Which evidence is particularly helpful?

Good evidence proves the time, extent and frequency of the disruption. Collect systematically:

• Multiple speed test records (date, time, server) and screenshots where possible.
• Logged error messages from the router or provider and log files if available.
• Written defect notices and confirmations of receipt from management or the landlord.
• Witness statements from roommates or neighbors who observed the disruption as well.

FAQ

Who is responsible for internet in a dormitory?

Typically the party who has guaranteed the access in contract or house rules: landlord, property management, or an appointed operator. If nothing is stipulated, the rental contract determines responsibilities.

What if the landlord does not respond?

Send a formal defect notice with a deadline and document all steps. If there is no response, you can consider rent reduction or legal action. Local courts (Amtsgerichte) usually handle tenancy disputes^[2].

Can house rules justify restrictions on internet access?

House rules may set binding usage terms, but they must not deprive the dwelling of basic usability. Ambiguous or overly restrictive rules should be documented and possibly legally reviewed.

How-To

1. Document: create timestamped speed tests, screenshots and a fault log with date and time.
2. Report the defect: send a written defect notice to the landlord or property management with a clear deadline.
3. Escalate if needed: if no solution occurs, consider legal steps and inform the competent local court about your claims^[2].
4. Seek help: consult official legal sources and procedural rules or obtain legal advice.

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §535 — gesetze-im-internet.de
• Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
• Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) — bundesgerichtshof.de

1. [1] BGB §535 — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] ZPO — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof — bundesgerichtshof.de