Student Dorm Rules 2025 for Tenants in Germany

Many students live in student dormitories — these often have their own house rules and specific regulations. As a tenant in Germany it is important to know your rights and duties: when repairs must be reported, how utilities are billed and which deadlines apply to a termination. This guide explains in plain language which rules are relevant in 2025, which official forms to use and how to systematically document incidents and defects. At the end you will find a practical checklist for photographing, dating and securing evidence and guidance on when the local court may need to be involved. The text is aimed at students without legal knowledge and offers clear steps to follow.

What applies in a student dorm?

Student dormitories have, in addition to statutory law, house rules that govern behavior, visiting hours and quiet times. Fundamental tenancy obligations are set out in the Civil Code (BGB), especially regarding maintenance and the use of the rented property^[1]. Court procedures and deadlines for lawsuits are governed by the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO)^[2]. Important precedent-setting decisions on tenancy law can be found at the Federal Court of Justice (BGH)^[3].

Rights and duties explained briefly

• Types of notices: Report defects in writing by e‑mail or letter and keep a copy.
• Repairs: The landlord is obliged to carry out maintenance; report damages early.
• Documentation: Photograph defects, note date and time and store files securely.
• Deadlines: Observe statutory deadlines for defect notices and objections.
• Communication: Keep a log of all contacts; note names, dates and contents of conversations.

Checklist: How to document defects

• Take clear photos from several angles and save them with the date in the file name.
• Note the time and date of discovery and the time of reporting to the landlord.
• Send a written defect notice by e‑mail or registered mail and keep a receipt.
• Request a deadline for remedy and mention possible rent reduction if the defect persists.
• Keep receipts for replacement purchases or repairs that you agreed to in advance.
• Document when the landlord requests entry to the apartment; record time and reason.

If letters with deadlines arrive, respond promptly and document your reply. For threatened termination or eviction, early legal advice is important; many disputes start with unclear deadlines or missing documentation.

FAQ

Who decides on rent reductions in a student dorm?

If in doubt, a court decides; in many cases an agreement can be reached with the landlord and dorm administration if defects are well documented.

How do I properly report a water damage?

Photograph the damage, report it in writing to the dorm administration or landlord and request a deadline for remedy.

Can I be evicted for noise disturbances?

Repeated and significant disturbances can justify a warning and, if continued, termination; check the house rules and document incidents.

How-To

1. Photo and data backup: Take photos of defects from several angles and save copies in the cloud and locally.
2. Written report: Send a formal defect notice by e‑mail and request confirmation of receipt.
3. Set a deadline: Ask for a concrete deadline for remedy (e.g. 14 days) and document the response.
4. Log communications: Note names and times of all calls and in-person conversations.
5. If necessary sue: File a claim at the competent local court if no agreement can be reached.

Help and Support / Resources

• [1] Civil Code (BGB) – §§ 535–580a
• [2] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) – procedural rules
• [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – tenancy law decisions

1. [1] Civil Code (BGB) – §§ 535–580a
2. [2] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) – procedural rules
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – tenancy law decisions