Shared Kitchen Rules for Tenants in Germany

In many rental apartments in Germany, several households share a communal kitchen. As a tenant you should know which usage rules apply, what obligations landlords have and how disputes can be resolved in practice. This guide clearly explains tenancy law basics, typical house rules, cleaning obligations, handling repairs and how to formally report defects or apply for rent reduction. You will also find sample forms for polite warnings, deadline notices and handover protocols as well as guidance on dealing with entries in the rental agreement or threatened termination. The examples are practical and applicable for subtenants and shared flats.

Basic rules for shared kitchens

Shared kitchens work best with clear, written rules: cleaning, storage, labeling personal food and use of appliances should be regulated. Landlords must ensure the kitchen provides basic usability and remedy defects promptly. For the legal basics see the provisions on the rental agreement and maintenance in the BGB^[1].

Checklist for tenants

• Set and communicate a cleaning schedule with fixed days.
• Clarify whether operating costs for joint cleaning are included in the service charge statement.
• Report damage and faulty appliances immediately, in writing with a deadline.
• Document and post forms or house rules in writing.
• Collect photos, chat logs and witness statements as evidence.

If landlords do not respond, you can set a deadline and consider rent reduction. In cases of eviction or termination threats, the rules of the Code of Civil Procedure and tenancy proceedings apply^[2].

Rights and obligations in practice

Tenants are obliged to use the kitchen carefully and avoid contamination. Landlords are obliged to provide functioning kitchen facilities and safe utilities and to remedy defects (§§ 535–538 BGB)^[1]. If repairs are neglected, tenants may reduce the rent or have repairs carried out at the landlord's expense after prior notification.

Sample forms and examples

Useful templates include: polite defect notices with deadlines, applications for rent reduction with justification and handover protocols for condition at move-in/move-out. Use clear deadlines (e.g. 14 days) and describe damages as precisely as possible.

FAQ

Who is liable for damage in the communal kitchen?

In principle, the person causing the damage is liable. If the damage is due to structural defects or worn-out equipment, the landlord is liable. Clarify responsibilities in writing.

Can I reduce the rent because of a dirty communal kitchen?

Yes, if use is significantly impaired and the landlord does not act despite a defect notice. Documentation is a prerequisite.

Which court do I turn to in disputes?

Ordinary tenancy disputes are handled by the competent local court (Amtsgericht); appeals go to the regional court (Landgericht), and legal questions may be decided by the Federal Court of Justice (BGH)^[3].

How-To

1. Record the defect in writing and set a concrete deadline for remedy (e.g. 14 days).
2. Send a formal defect notice by email and registered mail and keep proof.
3. Collect evidence: photos, dates, witnesses and chat logs.
4. After the deadline, consider rent reduction or compensation and document your calculations.
5. Contact tenant associations or conciliation bodies for mediation where available.
6. If no agreement is reached, prepare documents for proceedings at the local court.

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — gesetze-im-internet.de
• Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) – rulings and information
• Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection (BMJ)

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) decisions