Tenant: AGG Complaint with Evidence in Germany

If you as a tenant in Germany suspect discrimination and have indications, an AGG complaint may be necessary. This guide clearly explains which documents you should collect, which deadlines apply and which official forms or courts you can contact. I describe practical steps: internal complaint to the landlord, written defect and discrimination notice, application for legal aid (PKH) and necessary information for filing a claim at the local court. All notes refer to German law and link to official sources such as the AGG and the BGB. The language is simple so that you as a tenant can check your rights, secure evidence and meet deadlines.

What you need

Collect complete evidence early. Well-documented indications increase the chances of success in an AGG complaint or later lawsuit.

• Lease agreement (current contract and amendments)
• Correspondence with the landlord (emails, letters, SMS)
• Photos or videos of incidents or defects
• Witness statements with contact details
• Bank statements or payment receipts for financial disadvantages
• Medical certificates if health is affected

Deadlines and process

Act quickly: many civil claims are subject to limitation and procedural deadlines. Send a written request for remedy and set a clear deadline for landlord response and remedy.

• Set a written deadline for remedy (e.g. 14 days) and document delivery
• Secure evidence immediately after the incident
• Check legal aid (PKH) promptly if litigation may incur costs

How to file an AGG complaint with evidence

Step 1: Internal complaint. Send a written complaint to the landlord or property manager and request a response. Describe incidents, attach evidence and set a deadline for remedy.

Step 2: Written documentation and evidence preservation. Create a file with date, time, photos, messages and witness details. This file is important for later out-of-court or court steps.

Step 3: Legal review. Check the legal situation under the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) and the relevant provisions of the BGB.^[1][2] If a claim arises, a lawsuit can be filed at the competent local court.^[3]

Step 4: Forms and court. For litigation you need a complaint document; if financial support is necessary, file an application for legal aid (PKH). Specify in the complaint the violated rights, facts and evidence.

How-To

1. Collect all evidence in an organized file.
2. Send a written complaint to the landlord and set a clear deadline.
3. Review legal bases (AGG, BGB) and note relevant sections.
4. Submit a PKH application if needed and prepare the complaint document.
5. File the lawsuit at the competent local court if out-of-court steps fail.

FAQ

1. Do I have to complain internally before suing?

No, a lawsuit is generally possible without a prior internal complaint, but a documented internal complaint strengthens your evidence.

2. What is the deadline for a discrimination lawsuit?

There is no special statute of limitations for AGG claims; general civil limitation periods under the BGB may apply, so act early.

3. Where do I file the lawsuit?

The lawsuit is filed at the competent local court (Amtsgericht); higher instances are the regional court (Landgericht) and possibly the Federal Court of Justice (BGH).

Help and Support

• AGG: legal text and explanations
• BGB §535 ff.: tenancy law provisions
• Court information (Federal Court of Justice)

1. [1] Law: General Equal Treatment Act (AGG)
2. [2] Law: German Civil Code (BGB), §535 ff.
3. [3] Court: Federal Court of Justice – court system information
4. [4] Service: Information and forms (Federal Service Portal)