Tenant Rights Against Discrimination in Germany

As a tenant in Germany you may experience discrimination from landlords or housing providers. This guide explains your rights in plain language, common forms of disadvantage, and concrete steps for collecting evidence, using official forms and contacting the local court or advisory services. You will learn when rent reduction is possible, how protection against wrongful termination works and which procedural routes exist in court. Practical tips show how to meet deadlines, secure documents and defend against eviction actions. The goal is a clear action guide so you can enforce your rights as a tenant in Germany with confidence and legal certainty.

What is discrimination in tenancy law?

Discrimination occurs when landlords treat tenants unfairly because of origin, gender, religion or similar characteristics. Rights and obligations arise from Sections 535–580a BGB^[1] and the procedures under the ZPO^[2].

Concrete steps for tenants

• Collect evidence: photos, messages, witnesses and a continuous log.
• Observe deadlines: respond quickly to terminations or warnings.
• Complete forms: claim form for the local court and written complaints.
• Seek advice: tenant counselling, legal advice and contact the local court.

Important forms and templates: termination letters (written, clearly dated), filing a claim at the local court (claim form) and, if necessary, applications for interim measures. A typical example: you send a written complaint to the landlord, document incidents for two weeks and then file a claim at the local court.

Possible legal routes

• Claim at the local court: tenancy disputes usually start there.
• Rent reduction or repair claims for defects in the apartment.
• Interim injunctions in cases of acute danger or unlawful eviction.

FAQ

What can I do if I experience discrimination?

Document incidents, request remedy in writing, and if necessary consider filing a claim at the local court.

Can the landlord terminate for impermissible reasons?

A termination for discriminatory reasons is generally ineffective; review the termination and obtain legal advice.^[1]

How do I file a claim?

File a written claim form at the competent local court, attach evidence and observe the ZPO deadlines.^[2]

How-To

1. Collect and date evidence.
2. Check and document deadlines.
3. Send a written complaint to the landlord.
4. File a claim at the local court with supporting evidence.

Key Takeaways

• Tenants have legally protected rights against discrimination.
• Good documentation improves chances in court.
• Seek advice early to preserve deadlines.

Help and Support / Resources

• § 535 BGB – Landlord obligations (gesetze-im-internet.de)
• ZPO – Civil procedure (gesetze-im-internet.de)
• Court system and jurisdictions (bmjv.de)

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §535 — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Gerichtssystem und Zuständigkeiten — bmjv.de