Tenant Guide: Hobby Noise & Quiet Hours in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, hobby noise from neighbors or within your own flat can disrupt daily life. This guide explains in clear steps which quiet hours typically apply, what rights tenants have and how to resolve conflicts constructively. You will learn how to document disturbances, send a formal warning with a sample template and when rent reduction or legal steps make sense. Practical examples show phrasing and deadlines so you can protect your interests without unnecessary escalation. The information refers to applicable tenancy law^[1] and shows which courts are competent if a dispute needs to be taken to court.

What counts as hobby noise?

Hobby noise includes regularly recurring sounds from leisure activities: playing music, DIY work, loud exercise equipment or instruments. Short, one-off disturbances are assessed differently than persistent or nighttime noise. Frequency, time of day and whether the noise exceeds what is reasonable are decisive.

Quiet hours in Germany

Commonly, nighttime quiet is from 22:00 to 06:00; many house rules also specify a midday rest (e.g. 13:00–15:00). Quiet hours may be set out in the rental contract or house rules; the landlord must ensure compliance. In serious breaches tenants can consider rent reduction or issue a warning.

Step by step: What tenants can do

• First speak politely with the neighbor and name the exact times of the noise.
• Keep a noise log with date, time and duration and, if possible, photo or audio evidence.
• If disturbances continue, send a written warning with a deadline; use the sample template below.
• Consider rent reduction for ongoing disturbance according to the rules of the BGB and document all steps.
• If no agreement is possible, legal action may be necessary; jurisdiction is usually the local court.^[2]

Sample warning letter (example text):

Sender: [Your name], [Address]
Recipient: [Neighbor/Landlord name], [Address]
Date: [DD.MM.YYYY]

Subject: Warning regarding repeated noise disturbance

Dear [Name],
I hereby complain about repeated noise disturbances caused by [description: e.g. loud music, DIY work] on [date(s)] during the hours of [times]. Please refrain from the disturbing activities or limit them to reasonable times. If the disturbance continues, I reserve the right to take further legal steps, including rent reduction or court action.

Sincerely,
[Your name]

How-To

1. Record date, time, duration and type of the noise in a log.
2. Talk to the neighbor; stay factual and give specific examples.
3. Send a written warning by registered mail or hand delivery and set a clear deadline.
4. Consider rent reduction and notify your landlord in writing about the defect.
5. As a last resort: file a claim at the competent local court; observe formal requirements of the ZPO.^[3]

FAQ

Does the same nighttime quiet apply to all flats?

Generally yes: nighttime is usually set between 22:00 and 06:00, but the rental contract and house rules may contain additional provisions.

Can I reduce my rent if noise persistently disturbs me?

Yes, a rent reduction is possible for significant impairment. Documentation and setting a deadline are important before unilaterally reducing the rent.

Where do I turn if the landlord does not act?

If the landlord does not act, you can consider suing at the competent local court or seek legal advice.

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — §§ 535–580a
• Bundesgerichtshof — decisions on tenancy law
• Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — procedural rules

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — §§ 535–580a
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — Verfahrensregeln
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof — Mietrecht