Tenant Law: Shared Kitchens for Tenants in Germany

Shared kitchens in housing projects or special living forms offer practical benefits but also raise questions for tenants in Germany about tenancy law, data protection and liability. This article explains in plain language which obligations landlords have, what rules tenants can agree on and how you as a tenant can enforce data-protective kitchen rules. You will get clear steps for reporting defects, negotiating usage rules and secure documentation to avoid disputes before the local court where possible. The guidance is practical and names official points of contact for forms and legal texts.

Rights and obligations for shared kitchens

In principle, the usual landlord obligations from the German Civil Code (BGB) apply, such as the maintenance duty under §§ 535 et seq.^[1] For procedural questions like eviction suits or filing a lawsuit, the Civil Procedure Code (ZPO) is decisive^[2]. In shared kitchens, pragmatic rules are useful: usage times, cleaning duties, storage areas and data protection for cameras or user lists.

Practical rules landlords and tenants should agree on

• Set a cleaning schedule (within 14 days to set schedule) — who cleans when and how often.
• Define access rules (entry rules) — when landlord staff may enter the kitchen.
• Report repairs (repair) — how defects are reported and within which deadline they are fixed.
• House rules in writing (notice) — clear, data-protective rules instead of oral agreements.

Data protection in the shared kitchen

Data protection matters when user lists are kept, keys are centrally stored or cameras are used. If tenant or house rules collect personal data, they must comply with the GDPR: purpose limitation, data minimization and deletion periods. A simple practice: use short lists with initials instead of full names and agree fixed deletion deadlines.

FAQ

Who is responsible for maintaining the kitchen?

The landlord is generally responsible for maintenance; usage agreements can create additional duties for tenants.

May the landlord keep a list of who uses the kitchen?

Yes, provided data collection is proportionate, the purpose is clear and deletion deadlines are observed.

What to do about mold or broken heating in the shared kitchen?

Report defects immediately and set deadlines for repair; if the landlord does not act, a rent reduction may be possible.

Where to turn in serious disputes?

The competent local court (Amtsgericht) handles litigation; official advisory services can help with legal questions.

How-To

1. Step 1: Document defects (evidence) — create photos, date and a short description.
2. Step 2: Report defects in writing (notice) — send by email or letter to the landlord and state a deadline.
3. Step 3: Seek support (contact) — contact local advisory services or the court if necessary.
4. Step 4: Collect documents for possible proceedings (court) — keep all messages, photos and receipts.

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB §535 ff.: Landlord obligations
• ZPO: Rules for filing lawsuits and proceedings
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH): decisions and information

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