Student Dorms: Tenant Errors to Avoid in Germany

Practical guidance for tenants in student dorms in Germany help to prevent common conflicts early. Many students do not know all tenant rights, for example about defects, repairs or notice periods, and underestimate simple steps like documentation, formal letters and meeting deadlines. This guide explains in clear, easy-to-understand language which rules often cause problems, what landlord and tenant duties are under tenancy law, and how to use sample letters in practice. The instructions are practical: you will learn how to report defects, respond to unclear house rules and which judicial or extrajudicial bodies in Germany are responsible so disputes can be resolved quickly and fairly.

Common mistakes in student dorms

In everyday life, disputes often arise from misunderstandings or missing documents. The following mistakes are particularly common:

• Paying rent late or making partial payments without agreement, which can lead to reminders or terminations.
• Not reporting defects in writing: without date and proof a later rent reduction is harder to enforce.
• Violating the house rules or changing rules tacitly, which can result in warnings.
• Not recording key handover and meter readings, which causes problems with billing and handover.
• Not securing evidence such as photos or chat logs, making claims harder to prove.

Rights and obligations under tenancy law

Basic rules for the tenancy are in the German Civil Code (BGB). Important paragraphs on landlord and tenant obligations, rent reduction and termination apply to housing inspections and disputes^[1]. If a defect exists, report it immediately in writing, set a reasonable deadline for remedy and document the effects on the usability of the apartment.

Sample letters and practical templates

For many steps in a dispute, simple written templates help: a formal defect notice, a warning for unauthorized use or a timely termination letter. For court actions the rules of civil procedure (ZPO) apply, e.g. for eviction lawsuits or claims for outstanding rent; form and deadlines are decisive^[2]. A practical template for a defect notice includes: date, precise description, deadline to remedy and reference to possible rent reduction or legal action.

How to respond to rule violations

If a house rule or dorm regulation is incorrect or unclear, a graduated approach makes sense: first talk, then a written clarification, then a formal letter or advice from the responsible authority. For serious disputes the local court (Amtsgericht) is competent; in higher instances regional courts and the Federal Court of Justice set precedents^[3].

How-To

1. Document: collect photos, dates, witnesses, chat logs and all receipts.
2. Inform: notify the landlord or dorm management in writing with a deadline to fix the issue.
3. Send template letter: issue a defect notice or a written termination and keep copies.
4. Seek help: contact tenant advice or mediation services, prepare legal action if needed.
5. Court steps: if necessary, file a claim with the local court and respect deadlines.

FAQ

Can I reduce the rent if the room is damp or moldy?

Yes, for significant defects a rent reduction can be appropriate if the landlord has been informed and no timely remedy occurs.

Do I have to pay for repairs in the student dorm myself?

In principle, the landlord bears costs for maintaining the rented property; minor cosmetic repairs can be regulated in the tenancy agreement.

How much notice is required for a regular termination?

For open-ended residential tenancies statutory notice periods apply depending on the duration of the tenancy, as regulated in the BGB.

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet: BGB – Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch
• Gesetze im Internet: ZPO – Zivilprozessordnung
• Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) – Decisions

---

1. [1] BGB §§ 535–580a – Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] ZPO – Zivilprozessordnung – Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof – BGH