Report Neighbour Bullying: Tenant Guide Germany

Neighbour bullying affects many tenants in Germany and can severely harm quality of life, safety and health. This guide explains how, as a tenant, you can recognize, document and report harassment, insulting behaviour or intimidation to landlords, authorities or courts. We explain practical steps, relevant legal bases such as §§ 535–580a BGB^[1], responsible bodies such as the local court (Amtsgericht)^[2] and which official forms and deadlines are important. The aim is to give you clear actions so you can enforce rights while avoiding escalation. The language is plain; examples help to implement the steps concretely.

What is neighbour bullying?

Neighbour bullying includes repeated, targeted actions like loud provocations, intimidation, property damage, repeated harassment or systematic exclusion. Not every dispute is bullying; repetition, intent and impact on your use of the home are decisive.

What you can do as a tenant

Five basic steps help secure your situation: document, inform the landlord, observe deadlines, involve authorities and, if necessary, pursue legal steps.

• Documentation: collect photos, dates, times, SMS, emails and witness names.
• Inform the landlord in writing: describe the facts and demand specific remedies; set a deadline.
• Observe deadlines: respond to landlord replies and deadlines in time.
• In case of threats: contact the police and file a report; report immediate danger at once.
• Legal remedy: consider warning letters and, if necessary, filing a claim at the local court.

Forms, official steps and sample letters

There is no single federal form for neighbour bullying, but there are sample texts and appropriate applications for warnings, injunctions or civil steps. For tenancy claims, the BGB provisions are relevant^[1]. Local courts (Amtsgerichte) are usually competent in first instance^[2]. For relevant case law, the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) may provide interpretation^[3].

1. Set up an evidence file: chronology, photos, noise logs and witness names.
2. Send a written warning to the neighbour and/or inform the landlord (registered mail recommended).
3. If the landlord does not act, document deadlines and send a written reminder.
4. For criminal acts, file a police report and note the file number.
5. If necessary, consider applying to the local court for an injunction (legal advice recommended).

Examples: When forms and authorities help

If noise, threats or property damage occur repeatedly, a written warning to the neighbour may help. For criminal acts, the police are the first contact; for civil claims, the local court is usually competent. Sample letters for warnings or demand letters can be modelled on court practice and adapted to your situation.

FAQ

How can I prove neighbour bullying?

Keep a complete chronology, save photos, videos and messages and collect witness statements; record date and time of each incident.

Can my landlord evict me because of complaints from a neighbour?

An eviction is only possible under certain conditions if the behaviour significantly disturbs the contractual use; legal advice and deadline checks are important.

Where do I go in case of immediate threat?

In immediate danger always contact the police and also inform your landlord; keep the police report as evidence.

How-To

1. Step 1: Document every incident with date, time, description, photos and witnesses.
2. Step 2: Send a formal complaint to the landlord and demand remedial action with a clear deadline.
3. Step 3: In case of threats or criminal acts report them immediately to the police and note the file number.
4. Step 4: Check with advisory centres or a lawyer whether an injunction at the local court is appropriate.
5. Step 5: Pay attention to limitation and response deadlines and act within set timeframes.

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet: BGB §535 ff.
• Bundesgerichtshof (BGH)
• Bundesministerium der Justiz and for Consumer Protection (BMJ)

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet — BGB §535
2. [2] Justizportal — Local courts and competencies
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof — Judgments and decisions