Tenant Guide: AGG Complaint in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, students and other households sometimes encounter discriminatory practices in housing access or property management. This guide explains in clear, practical language how to prepare and submit a complaint under the General Act on Equal Treatment (AGG) — even without a lawyer. You will learn which pieces of evidence are useful, how to document incidents, observe deadlines and create formal letters. We also name the competent courts and relevant laws, show concrete steps for communication with landlords or property management and refer to official forms and contact points in Germany. The aim is for you to act confidently and know your rights as a tenant.

AGG complaint and tenancy law in Germany

The AGG protects against discrimination for example due to gender, origin or religion. In the housing market this can mean that a rejection or unequal treatment is legally reviewable. In parallel, the Civil Code (BGB) regulates the duties of landlords and tenants in the tenancy relationship ^[1]. In serious disadvantages, a written complaint to the landlord or property management, supplemented by comprehensive documentation, often helps.

Practical steps for students

The following measures help to support an AGG complaint with evidence. Work systematically and factually.

• Collect evidence (evidence): Photos, chat logs, emails, names of witnesses.
• Prepare a written complaint (form): Describe date, time, parties and concrete incidents.
• Observe deadlines (deadline): Respond promptly and document the timeframe of incidents.
• Seek contact (help): Arrange a meeting with the landlord or management if necessary and record results.

Forms and templates

For court proceedings or formal applications certain forms are relevant. Examples include the application for an order for interlocutory relief or the complaint form at the competent local court; procedures and forms are governed by the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) (ZPO) ^[2]. Practical example: If a landlord repeatedly makes discriminatory rejections of housing offers, prepare a written complaint, attach evidentiary photos and dates and, if necessary, file a complaint with the local court.

Communication: template structure for a complaint

A simple template starts with date, recipient (landlord/property management), subject "Complaint regarding discriminatory treatment/AGG", a factual description of the incident, the desired remedy and a deadline for response (e.g. 14 days). Sign the letter and keep a copy.

FAQ

Can I submit an AGG complaint as a tenant without a lawyer?

Yes. Many students can prepare a complaint themselves by documenting incidents, naming witnesses and sending a clear written complaint to the landlord or management.

Which authority or court is responsible for tenancy disputes?

Tenancy disputes are usually heard in the first instance at the local district court; on appeal state courts and possibly the Federal Court of Justice decide legal questions ^[3].

Which evidence is particularly helpful?

Photos, emails, chat logs, written rejections, witness statements and date information are particularly useful to support an AGG complaint.

How-To

1. Collect all available evidence (evidence): photos, message histories and witness contacts.
2. Draft a formal complaint (form): date, parties, concrete incidents, requested remedy, deadline.
3. Send the complaint by registered mail or email with read receipt and record proof of dispatch.
4. If there is no response, consider going to the local court and gather the evidence for a possible lawsuit.

Help and Support

• BGB §§ 535–580a — gesetze-im-internet.de
• ZPO: procedures and forms — gesetze-im-internet.de
• Federal Court of Justice — bundesgerichtshof.de

1. [1] Civil Code (BGB) §§ 535–580a — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — bundesgerichtshof.de