Tenant Help: Recognising Neighbour Bullying in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, neighbour bullying can severely impact daily life. This behavior ranges from loud provocations to systematic intimidation or targeted complaints to the landlord. In this guide you will learn how to recognise bullying, what rights you have as a tenant and how to seek protection and remedies. We explain the landlord's duties, which documents and evidence are important and how to prepare formal steps — from warnings to possible court proceedings. The language stays clear, with practical examples and references to official forms and courts in Germany so you can enforce your rights securely and effectively. Read on for clear steps and legal assistance.

What is neighbour bullying?

Neighbour bullying refers to repeated, targeted actions against individual tenants that impair their peace at home, safety or reputation. Examples include constant harassment, deliberately timed noise, threats, blocking access or repeated false complaints to the landlord.

Rights and duties of tenants and landlords

Tenants are entitled to use the apartment as agreed and to protection of their private life. The landlord is obliged to stop disturbances and to maintain the rental property in contractually agreed condition (see Civil Code (BGB), especially §§ 535–580a).^[1] In escalating situations, civil procedural steps may be necessary; rules for lawsuits and proceedings are found in the Civil Procedure Code (ZPO).^[2]

When to act?

• Within a few days: start documenting all incidents and times (calendar).
• Immediately: contact the landlord and inform them in writing about the disturbance (contact).
• If necessary: request or issue a warning or cease-and-desist notice (form).

Collecting evidence: what helps?

Good evidence makes the difference. Collect all information systematically and securely.

• Photos of incidents, damage and disturbances (evidence) with date and time.
• Messages, e-mails, letters and call logs as documentation (document).
• Write down witness names and contact details; obtain written statements if possible (contact).
• Keep an incident log: date, time, duration and observed persons (calendar).

Formal steps and official forms

Depending on severity there are several options: a formal letter to the neighbour, complaint to authorities, involving the landlord, or legal action at the competent local court (many tenancy disputes start at the Amtsgericht).^[3]

Official templates and forms

Important official legal sources and forms include:

• Lawsuit form for civil claims: use the form of the competent court for civil suits (form).
• Payment order/monition (Mahnbescheid): for claims related to damages a payment order can be initiated (form).
• Objection or cease-and-desist notice: a written demand to the offender to stop the harassing behaviour (contact).

Example: You collect photos and witness statements, send a written cease-and-desist demand to the offender and, if there is no response, file a lawsuit at the local court after the deadline passes. For formal lawsuits follow the provisions of the ZPO.^[2]

FAQ

What can I do if the landlord does not respond?

Written deadline setting with documentation of the disturbances, threat of legal action, possibly filing a lawsuit at the local court or consulting an attorney.

Which evidence is best in court?

Datestamped photos, audio recordings (if legally permitted), witness statements, e‑mails and a continuous incident log.

Can tenants warn the bully directly?

Yes, a written warning or cease-and-desist demand is possible; in case of threats or violence the police should be involved.

How-To: enforce your rights (steps)

1. Collect evidence: photos, messages, witnesses, incident log (evidence).
2. Inform the landlord in writing and request remedy (contact).
3. Draft a warning/cease-and-desist notice and send it by registered mail (form).
4. If no reaction: prepare and file a lawsuit at the competent local court (court).
5. In case of danger: inform the police immediately and consider protective measures (safety).

Key takeaways

• Consistent documentation is the foundation for success in legal proceedings.
• Early communication with landlord and neighbours can prevent escalation.

Help and Support / Resources

• Civil Code (BGB) — gesetze-im-internet.de
• Civil Procedure Code (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — bundesgerichtshof.de

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) — bundesgerichtshof.de