Report Discriminatory Listing - Tenants Germany
As a tenant in Germany, you can report discriminatory housing listings and request corrections. This guide explains in plain language which steps you should take immediately, which evidence is important, and how to draft a sample letter to landlords or authorities. You will learn which laws (e.g. the BGB) and courts may be relevant, when a complaint to the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency is appropriate, and how to proceed if the landlord does not respond. The goal is to strengthen your rights as a tenant, observe deadlines and submit necessary forms correctly. Practical examples and templates help you prepare the case without legal expertise and, if necessary, bring it to court. Read on for sample letters and step-by-step instructions.
What to do about a discriminatory listing?
If you find a listing that discriminates based on origin, gender, disability, religion or other characteristics, quick and orderly action is important. Document the listing, save dated screenshots and collect conversation notes. First contact the provider and request a correction or deletion. If that fails, you can file a complaint with the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency or consider civil legal action.
- Check deadlines: Respond within a few days if a listing remains online.
- Collect evidence: Save screenshots, the URL, date and conversation records.
- Prepare a sample letter or complaint form and send it by registered mail.
- Contact the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency or local advisory services.
Rights and legal basis
Your basic duties and rights in the tenancy are regulated in the German Civil Code (BGB); relevant provisions concern tenancy law.[1] For court actions, the rules of the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) apply, including rules on lawsuits and service.[2] In cases of discrimination, both civil claims and reports to specialized agencies may be appropriate.
Sample letter: Short example
Use this template as a starting point. Adjust date, address and exact wording:
- Dear [Landlord Name],
- Your listing dated [date] contains wording that may violate the General Equal Treatment Act. I request correction or removal of the listing by [date].
- If there is no response, I reserve the right to take further steps, including reporting to the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency and possible legal action.
Evidence and court procedures
If the matter goes to court, the local district court (Amtsgericht) usually handles tenancy matters in the first instance (depending on the dispute value, the regional court may be involved). The Federal Court of Justice decides on legal questions and precedent matters.[3]
If the landlord does not respond
If the landlord does not comply with your demand, you can formally complain, inform the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency and consider an injunction or declaratory action. Discuss options with legal counsel in complex cases.
- Eviction suits and other proceedings go through the district or regional court.
- Submit all collected evidence and a copy of the sample letter.
- Observe legal deadlines and limitation rules.
FAQ
- Is every unfriendly phrasing in a listing unlawful?
- No. Not every unfriendly phrasing is unlawful; the decisive factor is whether a protected characteristic is affected or discrimination occurs.
- Can I have a listing removed immediately?
- Only the provider can remove a listing immediately; however, you can send a cease-and-desist request and, if necessary, take legal action.
- Who can I contact if I need help?
- Contact the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency, local tenant advisory services or a law firm specializing in tenancy law.
How-To
- Save screenshot and URL with date.
- Send a sample letter to the landlord by registered mail.
- File a complaint with the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency if necessary.
- Review legal options and prepare a lawsuit if there is no response.
