Tenant Checklist: Digital Shared Kitchens in Germany

Many tenants in Germany live in housing situations with shared kitchens and face the question of how digital solutions can be implemented in a data-protection-compliant manner. This text explains in plain language which rights tenants have, which technical and organizational measures are necessary, and how consents and house rules should be regulated. I describe practical steps for documenting access, securing cameras or access systems, and name the responsible authorities and courts in case of disputes. The goal is for tenants to protect their interests without sacrificing safety or privacy. At the end you will find templates, form guidance and notes on administrative steps.

Legal basis

German tenancy law primarily regulates landlord and tenant obligations in the Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB), especially regarding maintenance and use of the rental object. You can find central provisions in §§ 535–580a BGB^[1]. In court disputes the rules of the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) apply^[2]. For data protection questions, the Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information provides guidance on video surveillance and the processing of personal data in residential complexes^[3].

Practical steps

1. Forms (form): Create a written consent or house rule that governs the use of digital systems in the shared kitchen.
2. Collect evidence (record): Keep logs with photos and timestamps when technical changes or access issues occur.
3. Secure technology (repair): Limit camera angles, store only necessary data, and implement access controls.
4. Observe deadlines (calendar-event): Respond to landlord letters and complaints within statutory or contractual time limits.

Adapting house rules and consents

If new digital systems are to be installed (e.g. access controls or cameras), it must be clarified whether the consent of individual tenants is required or whether a change to the house rules is sufficient. Formal consents should be in writing and dated; sample texts and official guidance are available from the Federal Ministry of Justice^[4]. Explain purpose, retention periods and contact for access requests in the consent.

FAQ

Can the landlord install cameras in the shared kitchen?

Only if there is a clear, proportionate purpose and data protection requirements are met; regularly, the consent of affected tenants or a clear legal basis is required.^[3]

Do I have to consent to a digital access control as a tenant?

You are not automatically obliged to consent; check the lease and house rules and request information on the scope and purpose of processing.

Where can I turn if the landlord acts in violation of data protection?

Complaints can be filed with the competent data protection authority; for tenancy disputes the local court (Amtsgericht) is responsible.^[2]

How-To

1. Check (form): Read the lease and house rules and note clauses on technical changes.
2. Document (record): Take photos, keep date/time logs and collect correspondence.
3. Clarify data protection (privacy): Ask about purpose, retention periods and access permissions; request written consent.
4. Review legal options (court): If no solution is found, inform the local court or seek legal advice; keep deadlines in mind.

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet – BGB and ZPO
• Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information
• Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information — bfdi.bund.de
4. [4] Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection — bmj.de