Tenant Guide: Organize a Dorm WG in Germany
Many tenants in Germany wonder how to organize a shared apartment (WG) in a dorm fairly and with legal certainty. This text explains in practical terms which rules help avoid conflicts, how to document damages and defects carefully, and which official forms are important in tenancy law. The advice is aimed at students and other roommates and describes how to record rent, deposit and handover, how to react to missing heating or water damage, and when taking a case to the local court makes sense. The goal is that as a tenant you know your rights, meet deadlines and resolve problems with clear documentation without unnecessary escalation.
Overview for Tenants
As a tenant in a dorm you should first check the rental agreement: who is the contracting party, which rooms are common areas and what rules apply to the deposit. Record rent payments and review the service charge statement carefully. If defects occur, report them in writing and collect evidence (photos, date, e‑mails). For formal questions, statutory rules such as the BGB [1] and, for court proceedings, the ZPO [2] are relevant.
WG Rules and Documentation
Clear rules prevent many conflicts: create handover protocols, agree on responsibilities for cleaning and operating costs, and set visiting and quiet hours. Use a simple handover protocol at move in and move out and photograph any defects.
What to document
- Evidence (evidence): Photos of damage with date and short description.
- Forms (form): Handover protocol, sample termination letters and correspondence.
- Payments (rent): Receipts, bank transfer records, account extracts.
If the landlord delays repairs, request remedial action in writing and set a reasonable deadline. In the case of serious defects, a rent reduction may be considered; the legal basis is in the BGB [1].
Official Forms and When to Use Them
Important official forms and guidance are available from authorities such as the Federal Ministry of Justice. A typical template is a termination letter (BMJ sample) to properly end the tenancy; use it if you as a tenant give ordinary notice or assert a deadline. For eviction lawsuits, the procedural rules of the ZPO apply [2].
When it goes to court
For tenancy disputes, the local court (Amtsgericht) is usually competent in the first instance; appeals go to regional courts and precedent decisions may be made by the Federal Court of Justice [3]. Keep all evidence ready: handover protocol, photos, payment proofs and written requests.
Practical Move-in Checklist
- Deadlines (deadline): Confirm move-in date and key handover in writing.
- Evidence (evidence): Photograph existing damage.
- Payments (rent): Transfer first rent and deposit and keep receipts.
FAQ
- Who is the landlord's contracting party in a WG in a dorm?
- In principle, the person named in the tenancy agreement is the contracting party; subtenancies must be regulated separately.
- How do I document heating failure or water damage correctly?
- Photograph defects with the date, inform the landlord in writing and save all replies as evidence.
- Can I reduce rent if heating or hot water is missing?
- Yes, under certain conditions a rent reduction is possible; check the requirements in the BGB and document the landlord's shortcomings.
How-To
- Photograph and record defects immediately at move-in (date, location, short description).
- Send a written defect notice to the landlord and request remedial action within a clear deadline.
- Keep payment proofs, deposit receipts and service charge statements.
- If no solution occurs, inform yourself about court steps at the local court or an advice center.
- Seek legal help or tenant advice before filing a lawsuit.
