Quiet Hours for Tenants in Germany Explained

As a tenant in Germany, you often face questions about quiet hours, noise and neighborhood disputes. This article clearly explains which quiet hours are common, how they are classified legally and what rights and obligations both tenants and landlords have. You will receive concrete examples for typical situations — such as nighttime noise, construction noise or celebrations — as well as practical steps to document and enforce complaints. The language is simple; legal terms are explained. The goal is that you as a tenant can assess when you should react, which deadlines apply and how a possible rent reduction, warning or lawsuit before the local court can proceed. Official authority and form references are linked at the end.

What are quiet hours?

Quiet hours are periods during which avoidable noise disturbances should be avoided. Specific times are often not set in the BGB; however, the BGB regulates duties regarding the provision of use and defect rights.^[1] Additional regulations may be found in state law or the house rules.

Typical quiet hours and examples

• Night quiet: in many buildings roughly 22–6 — loud music, drilling or vacuuming are generally not permitted.
• Midday rest: common in some regions, often between 12–15; check house rules or local ordinances.
• Construction noise: work is usually allowed during daytime; long-term construction sites have special rules.
• Celebrations: short-term exceptions are possible, but repeated heavy disturbance may be prohibited.
• Pets: barking can constitute a disturbance; owners are obliged to take remedial measures.

What to do about noise or disturbances?

Proceed step by step: talk to the neighbor, file a written complaint with the landlord, possibly set a deadline and take legal action. In serious cases, an eviction lawsuit can follow at the local court.^[2]

• Direct contact: speak politely and specifically with the person causing the disturbance.
• Formal complaint: send an email or letter to the landlord with date, time and attached evidence.
• Check rent reduction: in case of significant impairment the rent can be reduced; check claims under the BGB.
• Warning: request the disturbing neighbor to cease and set a reasonable deadline for remedy.
• Legal steps: if necessary, you or the landlord file a lawsuit; court decisions are based on law and case law.^[3]

FAQ

When do quiet hours apply?

Quiet hours may arise from house rules, development plans or local ordinances and are usually specified by the housing community or local administration.

Can I reduce the rent because of nighttime noise?

Yes, for significant and persistent defects you can reduce the rent; the amount depends on the extent of the impairment.

Who decides in a neighborhood dispute?

If no amicable solution is possible, the local court is usually competent; appeals go to the regional court and revisions to the BGH.

How-To

1. Collect evidence: date, time, photos, audio or witnesses.
2. Inform the landlord in writing and attach the documentation.
3. Set a reasonable deadline for the disturbing party to remedy the issue.
4. Check rent reduction or legal steps with legal advice or at the local court.
5. If necessary, file a lawsuit or support the landlord in an eviction claim.

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
• Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
• Bundesgerichtshof (BGH)

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — www.gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — www.gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof — www.bundesgerichtshof.de