Stroller in Hallway: Tenant Rules in Germany

Many tenants face the question of whether a stroller may be left permanently in a shared hallway. In Germany, house rules and tenancy law regulate what is permitted and help resolve conflicts between tenants and landlords. This article explains in plain language what rights tenants have, how best to communicate with the landlord and which steps are possible in a complaint or dispute before the local court. You will receive practical action steps for documentation, deadlines and alternative solutions so that the hallway remains safe and the rights of families and neighbors are respected. We show how to draft formal letters, which deadlines to observe and which official authorities or forms may be useful so that you as a tenant can represent your interests in Germany objectively.

What applies legally?

The basic duties of landlords and tenants are set out in sections 535–580a of the German Civil Code (BGB). Questions about the use of common areas are often decided by the house rules; they may set restrictions as long as they do not conflict with statutory tenancy law^[1]. Practically this means: short-term parking for loading or unloading is usually tolerable, while permanently blocked hallways can be prohibited by the landlord.

Communication with the landlord

Address problems openly and in writing. Describe the situation briefly, attach photos and propose a workable solution (for example, storage space in the basement or a shared storage area). A friendly, documented request increases the chance of an amicable solution.

• Send a written message to the landlord (notice): Briefly describe the facts and propose a solution.
• Save photos and dates as evidence (evidence): Documentation helps with questions or later proceedings.
• Set a deadline: e.g. "Please remove within 14 days" (within) and name a realistic period.
• Seek a joint solution: for example, keys for a storage room or an agreed usage schedule.

Legal steps and court

If talks fail, legal steps are possible. Tenancy disputes are usually heard in the first instance at the local court; procedural rules are found in the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO)^[2]. For tenants it is important to observe deadlines and present evidence. An eviction action is a last resort and will only be granted by the court for clear legal violations or safety risks.

Forms and templates

Important official templates include, for example, sample defect reports or the "Application for Legal Aid (PKH)". A concrete template often mentioned is a termination letter or a formal defect notice; use official information from the Federal Ministry of Justice for templates and guidance. Example: briefly state what happened, give dates and attach photos; request a reasonable deadline for remediation. If you are financially limited, an application for legal aid can help cover court costs^[3].

Frequently Asked Questions

May I leave my stroller in the hallway?

Short answer: usually not permanently without permission; short-term parking for use is often tolerated. First check the house rules and speak with the landlord.

What should I do if a neighbor complains?

Have a conversation, document times and reasons, and offer a solution. If necessary, inform the landlord in writing.

When should I involve the local court?

If the landlord offers no solution and your use of the property or safety is persistently affected, a proceeding at the local court may follow.

How-To

1. First check the tenancy agreement and house rules for provisions regarding the hallway.
2. Document the problem: collect photos, dates and times.
3. Write a formal message to the landlord with a deadline (notice, within).
4. If necessary, prepare documents for the local court or apply for legal aid.

Key Points

• Short-term parking is often tolerated; permanent blockage is usually prohibited.
• Friendly, documented communication resolves many conflicts.

Help and Support / Resources

• German Civil Code (BGB) – gesetze-im-internet.de
• Federal Ministry of Justice – forms and information
• Federal Court of Justice – information on case law

1. [1] German Civil Code (BGB) – gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) – gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Federal Ministry of Justice – bmj.de