Tenant: Managing Parties & Guests in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, you need clear rules when parties or extended visits are planned. A well-worded notice in the stairwell or on your door can set expectations, limit noise times and prevent neighborhood conflicts. This article explains which contents are legally permissible, which wordings reduce conflict potential and how to observe deadlines, house rules and data protection limits. You will receive practical template wordings, guidance on dealing with repeated noise disturbances and instructions for official steps if conversations fail. I show which official forms exist, when the local court is competent and how to secure evidence such as noise logs.^[1]

What to include in a notice?

A notice should be brief, factual and data-protection compliant. State clear times and a contact person, avoid accusations and do not publish sensitive information about third parties.

• Clear times for loud music and guests (e.g. 18:00–22:00).
• Name and contact person for inquiries.
• Note about house rules and waste disposal.
• In case of repeated disturbances: please keep documentation with date and time.

Wording examples

Choose phrasings that sound firm but not provocative. Three short templates:

• "Dear neighbors, please note that loud music between 22:00–06:00 is not permitted. Thank you for your understanding."
• "Contact on the event day: Max M., Tel. 0170-XXXXXXX. Please keep the courtyard clean."
• "In case of repeated disturbances we will inform the property manager and consider further steps."

Rights, duties and legal limits

Tenants have the right to use their apartment under the tenancy agreement, while the BGB protects neighbors from disproportionate noise. Details on tenancy duties and the relationship between tenant and landlord can be found in the German Civil Code (BGB) ^[1]. House rules may set standards but must not conflict with statutory law. If you plan a notice as a measure, pay attention to proportionality and data protection (do not name people without consent).

If conversations don’t help

Follow systematic steps: document, contact, warn in writing and, if necessary, initiate legal action.

• Documentation: create a noise log with date, time and duration.
• Seek a personal conversation and distribute the notice as a reminder.
• Send a written warning (possibly via landlord or property manager).
• If disturbances persist: consider a claim or injunction at the competent local court.^[2]

FAQ

Can I put up a notice as a tenant without the house community's approval?

Yes, notices on your own door are permitted. For communal areas, agree with the property manager or the community.

Do I have to name a guest on the notice?

No, for data protection reasons you should not publish personal or sensitive information.

What if repeated disturbances continue despite the notice?

Document incidents, send a written warning and involve the local court if necessary.^[2]

How-To

1. Collect evidence: noise log, photos and notes of conversations.
2. Talk to the neighbors to clarify the situation.
3. Create the notice and post it in a visible place; keep a copy.
4. If needed, inform the property manager and consider legal action at the local court.

Help and Support

• BGB: Statutory texts on tenancy law
• Federal Ministry of Justice (BMJ) – information on the judiciary
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – decisions

1. [1] BGB §§ 535–580a (Tenancy law) — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Competence of local courts (Amtsgericht) — justiz.de
3. [3] Heating Costs Ordinance (HeizKV) — gesetze-im-internet.de