Regulating Music for Tenants in Germany

Many tenants in Germany are unsure how loudly they may play music, which times apply and when a notice in the stairwell is useful. This practical guide explains in plain language which rights and obligations tenants have, how to speak with the landlord, when a written agreement or house rules are necessary and which deadlines apply for complaints. You will receive practical templates for a notice, tips for documenting noise and advice on how to avoid escalation and when legal steps may become necessary. The legal basis can be found in the BGB, in particular regarding tenant obligations and protection against termination.^[1] In case of dispute, the local district court is usually responsible, for example for eviction suits or rent reductions.^[2]

Rights and Obligations when Making Music

As a tenant you have the right to use your apartment — this includes making music. At the same time, use must not excessively infringe on the rights of neighbors. Many details are governed by the house rules or an individual agreement with the landlord; otherwise the regulations of tenancy law in the BGB apply.^[1]

• Making music during the day is usually permitted as long as the volume remains reasonable.
• During commonly accepted quiet hours (e.g. at night) loud rehearsals are generally prohibited.
• An explicit prohibition in the lease or house rules can restrict making music.

If neighbors feel disturbed, you should first seek a conversation and, if necessary, fix a time- or volume-limited agreement in writing.

Practical Steps and Notice Template

A clear notice in the stairwell can avoid conflicts: state times, a contact person and ask for consideration. Templates for letters and formulation tips can be found at official sources.^[3]

• Short notice with set rehearsal times and contact for questions.
• Reference to the house rules or existing agreements.
• Request reporting of repeated disturbances rather than immediate confrontation.

Additional Notes

Document noise (date, time, duration, possibly audio recordings) and keep correspondence with landlord and neighbors. If you file a formal complaint, observe deadlines and delivery methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

How loud may I play music in my rental flat?

There is no uniform decibel limit in tenancy law; what matters is local custom, time of day and reasonableness for neighbors.

Can the landlord completely forbid making music?

A general blanket ban is only valid in narrow limits; concrete, proportionate rules in the lease or house rules are possible.

When is the district court responsible?

For tenancy disputes such as rent reduction, termination or eviction suits the local district court is generally responsible.^[2]

How-To

1. Collect evidence: photos, videos and a noise log (evidence).
2. Inform the landlord in writing and request a solution; use a template letter (notice).
3. Propose fixed rehearsal times or place a notice to establish common rules (calendar).
4. If no agreement is reached, consider going to the district court or seeking legal advice (court).
5. When moving out, arrange key handover and a handover protocol for possible claims (move-out).

Help and Support

• Official laws: Gesetze im Internet (BGB)
• Templates and forms: Federal Ministry of Justice
• Case law: Federal Court of Justice (BGH)

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §535 – Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Zuständigkeit der Amtsgerichte – Justizportal
3. [3] Formulare und Muster – Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz