Tenant Guide: Communal Kitchen Documents & Deadlines Germany

Many tenants in special housing forms use shared kitchens and face practical questions: which papers should you keep, which deadlines apply under house rules and how to respond correctly to defects or conflicts in Germany? This text explains in plain language which documents are important, which deadlines you must observe and which official bodies are responsible for tenancy law and eviction. It contains concrete action steps, guidance on forms and explains when a local court (Amtsgericht) becomes involved. The goal is for you as a tenant to understand your rights and observe deadlines without legal jargon.

Which documents do tenants need in communal kitchens?

Keep the following records to prove claims or track expenses:

• Tenancy agreement including all addenda and agreements on use of shared spaces.
• House rules or usage regulations for the communal kitchen, written or attached to the lease.
• Handover protocol with meter readings, counters and documented damages.
• Operating cost statements and receipts for shared purchases or repairs.
• Correspondence with the landlord, photos of defects and, if applicable, witness statements.

Important deadlines and dates

Watch these typical deadlines so you do not lose your rights:

• Termination periods from the lease: check and confirm in writing.
• Deadlines for defect remediation after notification to the landlord (as soon as possible, document in writing).
• Objection deadlines to service charge statements (usually check within 12 months of receipt).

Forms and official templates

There is not always a nationwide official form for tenant terminations or defect notifications; nevertheless templates and guidance are useful:

• Termination letter (tenant): self-prepared letter with date, addresses, lease date and signature.
• Written defect notice: describe the defect, set a deadline for remedy and attach evidence.
• Eviction claim: application/claim at the competent local court, observe deadlines carefully.

If in doubt, get advice before submitting formal documents. The local court is the first instance for many tenancy disputes; higher instances include the regional court and the Federal Court of Justice.^[3]

How to report defects in the communal kitchen

Follow these practical steps if hygiene, damage or safety issues occur:

1. Inform the landlord immediately in writing, describe date, place and type of defect and attach photos.
2. Set a reasonable deadline for remedy (e.g. 14 days) and state what you will do if nothing happens.
3. Secure evidence: photos, witnesses, emails and invoices for any repairs you arrange yourself.
4. If necessary: consider rent reduction or legal action; legal bases can be found in the Civil Code (BGB).^[1]

FAQ

What if flatmates repeatedly ignore the kitchen rules?

Document incidents in writing, inform the landlord and ask them to stop the behavior; if needed, send a written notice with a deadline.

Can I reduce the rent if the kitchen is unusable?

Rent reduction is possible for significant loss of use; report defects in writing first and set a remediation deadline.

Which court handles an eviction claim?

Generally the local court (Amtsgericht) is responsible for eviction claims; higher instances are the regional court or the Federal Court of Justice.^[3]

How-To

1. Collect all relevant documents (lease, photos, correspondence).
2. Send a formal defect notice to the landlord by registered mail or email with receipt confirmation.
3. Set a clear deadline for remediation and state possible consequences (rent reduction, damages, lawsuit).
4. If necessary: gather further evidence and consult the local court.

Help & Support

• Gesetze im Internet (BGB, BetrKV, HeizKV)
• Federal Ministry of Justice (information and services)
• Federal Court of Justice (case law on tenancy)

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §535 ff. - Duties of the landlord
2. [2] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) - Rules for claims and proceedings
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) - Decisions in tenancy law