Tenant Rights: Dorm Rules in Germany

As a student living in a dorm, questions about rental obligations, community rules or repairs can quickly become stressful. This guide clearly and practically explains what rights and duties tenants in Germany have in student dorms, how house rules should be applied sensibly and when repairs or rent reductions are possible. I show how to approach conflicts objectively, which deadlines apply and which official forms and courts are responsible. The language is deliberately simple: no technical terms without explanation. At the end you will find concrete action steps, templates and links to authority pages so you can resolve problems without long guessing.

What applies in the student dorm?

Student dorms are subject to the general rental law rules of the BGB on landlord and tenant obligations and on rent reduction in the event of defects^[1]. In addition, the house rules regulate many everyday points, but they must not conflict with mandatory law. In the case of serious quality defects, you should report the defects in writing and set deadlines.

House rules and community regulations

A house rule can regulate quiet hours, cleaning duties and access. It only applies insofar as it does not violate statutory rights.

• Quiet hours (hours): observe quiet times, e.g. 22–6.
• Keep common areas clean (clean): follow cleaning rules.
• Keys and access (entry): rules for visitor access and key return.

Rights for defects and repairs

If heating, water or mold cause problems, report defects in writing with a deadline. The statutory duties and rights are regulated in the BGB; rent can possibly be reduced if the landlord does not remedy the defect^[1].

1. Written defect notice (notice): describe, set a deadline, note the date.
2. Collect evidence (evidence): photos, dates, witness notes.
3. Check rent reduction (rent): document and justify percentage reduction.

Resolving conflicts and courts

Many conflicts can be resolved internally or with the dorm management. If no agreement is possible, the local court (Amtsgericht) is responsible; procedural rules are found in the ZPO for eviction actions and claims for payment^[2]. Before proceeding to court, organize evidence and correspondence.

How-To

1. Document defect (repair): record photos and date.
2. Report in writing (evidence/notice): report defects with a deadline by email or registered mail.
3. Wait for the deadline (time): give the landlord a reasonable time to remedy.
4. Check forms (form): use termination letter templates or sample letters if necessary^[3].
5. Inform the local court (court): file suit only as a last resort according to the ZPO^[2].

FAQ

Can the management completely ban overnight guests?

No, complete bans can be disproportionate; restrictions for quiet hours are common and permissible.

When can I reduce the rent?

If the living quality is significantly impaired (e.g. no heating in winter), a rent reduction may be possible; report the defect in writing and document it^[1].

How do I file an eviction claim?

Eviction claims are filed at the competent local court; procedural rules are in the ZPO and local court instructions provide the process and form requirements^[2].

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB §§535–580a (Mietrecht) - gesetze-im-internet.de
• ZPO - Zivilprozessordnung - gesetze-im-internet.de
• Termination letter templates and guidance - BMJ (Federal Ministry of Justice)

1. [1] BGB §§535–580a (gesetze-im-internet.de)
2. [2] ZPO - Zivilprozessordnung (gesetze-im-internet.de)
3. [3] Termination letter templates - BMJ (bmj.de)
4. [4] Housing Promotion Act (WoFG) - gesetze-im-internet.de