Tenant Noise Log Valid in Germany

As a tenant in Germany you are not powerless in the face of persistent noise. A carefully kept noise log can form the basis for rent reduction, a warning notice, or court proceedings. This article explains how to create a valid, timely noise log, which formal details matter, which types of evidence help, and how to observe deadlines and official forms. I provide practical sample wordings for documenting disturbances and explain whom to contact — from the landlord to the local court. The information relies on the relevant legal foundations in Germany and cites official sources and forms so you can act with confidence.

What is a reliable noise log?

A reliable noise log systematically records date, time, duration, type of disturbance and possible witnesses. Note exact times (start/end), loud noise sources and the impact on your living conditions. Complement the log with photos, audio or video recordings and written statements from neighbors to increase credibility.

Required formal details

• Date and exact times (evidence).
• Description of the noise source and sound character (evidence).
• Duration and frequency of the disturbance (evidence).
• Names of witnesses or affected neighbors (evidence).

Practical steps to secure evidence

Start documentation early and keep the log daily while the issue persists. Secure audio or video recordings with date and time; store files unchanged and create backups. Complement the log with written complaints to the landlord and note the date and time of delivery.

Rights, deadlines and legal foundations

Under the Civil Code (BGB) the landlord must maintain the rented property in a condition suitable for contractual use; otherwise a rent reduction may be possible. Detailed provisions on tenancy and defect remediation are found in §§ 535–580a BGB^[1]. Court procedures follow the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO)^[2]. If you intend to sue or prevent an eviction, the local court (Amtsgericht) is the first point of contact.

Sample: brief notice to the landlord

Write a factual notice with precise details: date, concrete observations, reference to an attached noise log and a request for remedy within a clear deadline (e.g. 14 days). Indicate possible rent reduction if no remedy occurs.

What if the landlord does not respond?

Send a reminder with a deadline and state that you may reduce rent in writing or file an official complaint if no improvement occurs. If ignored, collect evidence and seek legal advice; for court actions the local court is competent.

FAQ

Can I reduce the rent immediately?

You can reduce the rent from the point in time when the defect is provable; a complete, reliable log increases the chances of success.

Do I have to set a deadline for the landlord first?

In most cases setting a reasonable deadline to remedy the defect is sensible, except in particularly serious disturbances where immediate action may be required.

Which official forms or samples are relevant?

Official guidance and contract templates as well as sample termination letters are available from the Federal Ministry of Justice and the courts; prefer official templates when possible.

How-To

1. Start a log with date and time (within).
2. Gather evidence: photos, audio recordings, witness statements (evidence).
3. Inform the landlord in writing and set a deadline (form).
4. If no remedy, consider legal action at the local court (court).

Help and Support / Resources

• Court contact and procedural information (contact) are on the justice portal.
• Statutes and sections (form) are available at "Gesetze im Internet".
• Federal Court of Justice decisions on tenancy law (court) can be found on the BGH website.

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Federal Ministry of Justice — bmj.de