Refuse Entry in WGs: Tenant Rights in Germany

Access rights and privacy in WGs

As a tenant in a shared flat in Germany, you may wonder whether you must allow property managers or tradespeople into your room. This guide explains clearly which access rights landlords and their agents have, which rights you have as a tenant, and how to respond appropriately to unannounced requests. It describes deadlines, the legal basis in the BGB, which forms or proofs are relevant, and which steps before the local court are sensible in a dispute. The aim is to give you understandable actions so you can protect privacy, meet obligations and resolve disputes constructively. I also name official forms and authorities so you can act concretely.

When can you refuse entry?

In principle: you cannot refuse access arbitrarily, but tenants have a right to the inviolability of the apartment and privacy. Urgent repairs in emergency situations (e.g., burst pipe) often justify immediate access. For routine inspections or measurements, the property manager should normally announce in advance; particularly private areas (your room in the WG) enjoy stronger protection.

Legal basis

The key provisions on tenancy are in the German Civil Code (BGB), especially regarding landlord and tenant duties.^[1] Civil procedure steps such as eviction actions follow the ZPO; the local court (Amtsgericht) is often responsible for many tenancy disputes.^[2]

Forms and proofs

• Request a written announcement or order from the property manager before granting access.
• Ask for the representative's ID or a power of attorney if not presented.
• Use template letters (e.g., termination templates or objection letters) for orientation; official templates are available from state authorities.^[3]

Practical steps for unannounced access requests

1. Politely ask for purpose, appointment and the name of the representative; request written proof if uncertain.
2. Agree a specific appointment or propose alternative times instead of immediately granting access.
3. Create photos or notes with date, time and names as evidence if a dispute arises later.
4. If the representative is persistent or threatening, call the police or seek legal advice; avoid physical confrontation.
5. If your rights were violated, consider filing claims at the local court.

What to do in conflicts with flatmates or landlord

For internal WG conflicts, a clarifying conversation often helps. If the property manager insists on their right, request written confirmation and check whether the intrusion is proportionate. For persistent disturbances, rent reductions or legal steps can be considered; get advice if unsure.

FAQ

Can I turn away property managers without reason?

You cannot refuse legitimate access without reason; however, prior notice is often required, especially for private rooms in a WG.

Does the property manager have to announce an appointment?

Yes, routine visits and inspections should be announced reasonably in advance; in emergencies immediate action is possible.

What if someone enters without permission?

Remain calm, document the event and contact the police or legal advice; later a claim at the local court may be appropriate.

How-To

1. Request identification and the reason for access politely.
2. Arrange a written appointment or postpone to a secure time.
3. Document the incident, date and time and any witnesses.
4. Contact the police or seek legal advice in case of threats.
5. If needed, submit documents and evidence to the competent local court.

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB §§ 535–580a — Gesetze im Internet
• Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — Gesetze im Internet
• Federal Ministry of Justice (BMJ) — Official information and templates

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet: BGB §§ 535–580a
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet: Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
3. [3] Bundesministerium der Justiz — BMJ