Report Neighborhood Harassment for Tenants in Germany

As a tenant in Germany you may sometimes face repeated insults, intimidation or deliberate disturbances by neighbors. This practical guide explains how to recognize neighborhood harassment, what rights you have as a tenant and what steps you can take in Germany to protect yourself. We describe simple measures for securing evidence, contacting the landlord, and using official forms or courts in urgent danger. The legal basis is found in the BGB and in civil procedure rules.^[1] The goal is to enable you to make informed decisions and secure your living conditions. At the end you will find an FAQ, a step-by-step guide to reporting, and links to official authorities. Keep copies of all communications and photos.

What is neighborhood harassment?

Neighborhood harassment includes repeated harassment, threats, vandalism, constant noise or deliberate exclusion. It is important to distinguish between occasional conflict and organized, ongoing behavior that significantly impairs your living quality. As a tenant you are entitled to a habitable apartment without unreasonable harassment; the landlord must intervene under tenancy law.

When should tenants report?

• In acute danger: inform the police (call) and ensure your safety.
• For ongoing harassment: send a written complaint to the landlord (notice) with a deadline.
• Collect evidence (evidence): photos, noise logs, dates and witnesses.
• Observe deadlines (deadline): respond to confirmations and set deadlines.

How do I report neighborhood harassment?

If possible, first speak calmly with the neighbor and document the conversation. Inform the property manager in writing and request remediation. If there is no improvement, use official forms such as a termination letter (template) or apply for interim relief in urgent danger; court filings follow the rules of the ZPO.^[2] In serious cases the local court (Amtsgericht) decides; legal questions may be taken up to the Federal Court of Justice.^[3] For templates and guidance on formally correct letters use the Federal Ministry of Justice resources.^[4]

Forms and examples

• Termination letter (BMJ template) — If you terminate the tenancy due to severe harassment; example: terminate without notice after repeated vandalism and health impact.
• Application for interim relief (urgent application) — For immediate protection in acute danger; example: file an application at the competent court with photo evidence and witness names.
• Filing an eviction lawsuit at the local court — If only a judicial solution remains; example: file the suit with legal counsel or in a simplified form at the Amtsgericht.

Securing evidence

Good evidence is chronological, dated and verifiable. Use photos with timestamps, noise logs with times, written communications and name witnesses. Save electronic messages and keep physical documents safe.

• Photos and videos: note date and time and make copies.
• Noise log: record date, time, duration and type of disturbance.
• Witness names: record contact details of people who can confirm disturbances.
• Correspondence: keep all emails, letters and texts.

FAQ

1. Do I have to report neighborhood harassment?

You are not legally required to report every incident, but for repeated harassment or danger you should inform the landlord, the police or the court to enforce rights.

2. Which forms do I need and where can I find templates?

Important templates include termination letters and urgent applications; official guidance and templates are available from the Federal Ministry of Justice and courts.^[4]

3. When should I involve a court?

If landlords do not respond or your safety is acutely threatened, a suit at the local court may be necessary; proceedings follow the ZPO.^[2]

How-To

1. Document (evidence): collect photos, noise log and witnesses.
2. Inform the landlord in writing (notice): send complaint with deadline and include evidence.
3. Contact the police in acute danger (call) and prioritize safety.
4. If necessary, file a suit at the local court (court) or apply for interim relief.

Key Takeaways

• Good documentation is often decisive for success in court.
• Use official templates and forms for formal letters.
• In danger always contact police or emergency services first.

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet: BGB
• Gesetze im Internet: ZPO
• Federal Ministry of Justice (BMJ)

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) - gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) - gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) - bundesgerichtshof.de
4. [4] Federal Ministry of Justice - bmj.de