Quiet Hours for Tenants in Germany 2025

Quiet rules and house rules

In Germany, the house rules together with the tenancy agreement often determine concrete quiet hours; additionally, the landlord's and tenant's basic duties are regulated by the Civil Code.^[1] Typical quiet hours are important in everyday residential life, especially in multi-unit buildings and special housing forms.

Typical quiet hours

• Night quiet (hours) usually 22:00–06:00
• Lunch quiet (hours) often 13:00–15:00
• Holidays and Sundays usually have stricter consideration rules (hours)

These times may differ depending on the house rules or municipal statutes; check your tenancy agreement and the house rules early.

What to do about noise disturbances?

If neighbors frequently cause disturbances, you should act systematically: talk, document and, if necessary, involve the landlord. In case of persistent disturbances, a rent reduction or legal action may be necessary.^[1]

• Talk directly with the neighbor and offer solutions (contact)
• Document disturbances: date, time, duration, photos or audio recordings (evidence)
• Inform the landlord in writing and set a reasonable deadline (notice)
• Consider a rent reduction if usability is impaired (rent)

Forms and legal steps

For legal steps such as an eviction claim, procedural rules in the Code of Civil Procedure apply; the competent local court (Amtsgericht) is the first instance for rental disputes, appeals go to the regional court and possibly the Federal Court of Justice.^[2][3]

Important forms and templates (e.g. statement of claim, mediation letter to the landlord) are available from the courts or on official justice websites. A practical example: if there is persistent nighttime noise, send the landlord a letter with a deadline and notice of rent reduction, document all incidents and keep proof of delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What quiet hours apply in rental apartments?

Commonly night quiet 22:00–06:00 and lunch quiet 13:00–15:00; details are in the house rules or rental agreement.

Can I reduce rent because of noise?

Yes, with significant impairment of usability a rent reduction can be justified; document disturbances and inform the landlord in writing.

Who handles an eviction claim?

An eviction claim is handled by the competent local court (Amtsgericht); procedural rules from the Code of Civil Procedure apply.

How-To

1. Document noise incidents systematically with date, time and description.
2. Talk to the neighbor and try to reach an amicable solution.
3. Inform the landlord in writing, set a deadline and request remedy.
4. If no solution, prepare a formal letter (rent reduction notice, request for remedy) and send it with proof of delivery.
5. As a last resort, file a claim at the local court; observe the rules of the Code of Civil Procedure.

Help and Support

• BGB §535ff: Regulations on landlord and tenancy obligations
• Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO): Rules for lawsuits and procedures
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH): Case law on tenancy law

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) - Pflichten des Vermieters und Mietvertragsrecht
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) - Verfahren bei Klagen
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) - Rechtsprechung und Entscheidungen