Shared Kitchen: Tenant Rights & House Rules in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, it is important to document incidents in shared kitchens systematically so that rights under tenancy law remain enforceable. This practical guide explains which photos, defect logs and written reports are useful, how to correctly apply house rules and which deadlines must be observed. You will receive clear steps for notifying the landlord, guidance on template letters and practical tips for dealing with neighbours and authorities. Legal texts and court routes are named so that you can involve the local court and higher instances if necessary^[1][2][3]

What should tenants document in shared kitchens?

Good documentation helps in discussions with the landlord and, if necessary, in court. Document defects, cleanliness, damage caused by third parties and repeated breaches of the house rules.

• Take photos and videos of damage or dirt with date and time.
• Send dated emails or letters to the landlord; keep copies as proof.
• Keep a short log: when a problem occurred, how long it lasted and who was affected.

How to properly document the house rules

The house rules regulate use, cleaning and behaviour in communal areas. Claims about breaches are difficult to enforce without evidence; note concrete incidents and record witnesses.

• Include place, date, time and a short description for each entry.
• If possible, request remedy in writing from the responsible person (set a deadline).
• Record set deadlines and react if there is no response.

What to do about repair or hygiene issues?

For defects that affect the usability of the rented property, the landlord is obliged to act. Report defects immediately in writing and set a reasonable deadline for rectification.

• Report defects in writing and set a deadline (e.g. 14 days for non-urgent issues).
• Collect photos and measurements (e.g. moisture) as evidence.
• If there is no remedy, consider rent reduction or a claim at the competent local court.

Practical templates and deadlines

Use simple, concrete wording: defect description, desired remedy, deadline and a note that you reserve further legal remedies. Keep proof of delivery (registered mail or email with read receipt).

• Template example: defect notice with deadline (date, damage, desired remedy).
• Deadline: typically 14 days; for acute health hazards report immediately.

When is the local court competent?

For tenancy disputes, the competent local court (Amtsgericht) is usually the first instance. Cases on rent reduction, termination protection and eviction are heard there; procedural rules are set out in the Code of Civil Procedure.

FAQ

Which pieces of evidence are most important for tenants?

Photos, dated logs, written reports to the landlord and, if available, witness statements are central.

Can house rules restrict the use of shared kitchens?

Yes, within contractual and legal limits a house rule can set rules; however it must not conflict with mandatory law.

What do I do if the landlord does not respond?

Send a written deadline, continue to document and consider rent reduction or litigation at the competent local court.

How-To

1. Photograph defects and save them with date/time stamps.
2. Notify the landlord in writing, set a deadline and secure proof of delivery.
3. Wait for the deadline; if there is no response, initiate further steps (rent reduction, lawyer, court).
4. If needed, prepare a claim at the competent local court and present structured evidence.

Key Takeaways

• Documentation is the foundation for enforcing your tenant rights.
• Written reports with deadlines provide legal leverage.

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet – BGB and other laws
• Federal Ministry of Justice – forms and information
• Federal Court of Justice – decisions and procedures

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet – Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a
2. [2] Justizportal des Bundes und der Länder – Information on courts
3. [3] Gesetze im Internet – Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)