Tenant Rights for Shared Kitchens in Germany

Tenants in Germany often face questions when a shared kitchen is used by a flatshare: Who pays cleaning costs, how are usage times regulated and what rules apply to keys and private supplies? This text explains in plain language your rights and duties as a tenant, shows typical conflict situations and concrete steps, such as how to report defects or secure claims in writing. We refer to the relevant legal bases and explain which authorities are responsible for disputes. The goal is that flatshare residents recognize conflicts early, collect documents correctly and, if necessary, proceed formally without overloading with legal terminology.

Rights and Duties in Shared Kitchens

As a rule, the tenant rights of the BGB also apply to commonly used rooms such as the kitchen; the landlord's maintenance obligations are found in the lease and in the Civil Code.^[1] In a flatshare, additional agreements between roommates often apply (house rules, cleaning schedules). Practically important: written agreements reduce later disputes, and requests for changes should be documented.

• Cleaning: who pays regular costs? (payment)
• Usage times: clear agreements prevent conflicts.
• Privacy and access: rules on keys and entry times.
• Repairs: who reports damage and who pays for materials?

Conflicts, Deadlines and Court Procedures

If problems cannot be solved internally, formal steps may follow: written defect notices, setting deadlines and, in the worst case, a lawsuit at the local court. The procedural rules are in the Code of Civil Procedure.^[2] For tenancy matters, local courts decide, appeals go to regional courts; the Federal Court of Justice issues important precedent decisions.^[3]

• Written defect notice: state the defect, date and deadline briefly (notice).
• Secure evidence: collect photos, chats and receipts (document).
• If escalation occurs: check jurisdiction and meet deadlines (court).

Before considering legal steps, seek a mediation meeting with all parties and the landlord. Often a short, factual email with photos and a deadline is enough to resolve the issue.

FAQ

Who pays for replacement parts or new appliances in the shared kitchen?

If appliances are used jointly, the lease or a roommate agreement usually regulates cost sharing; landlord obligations are covered by the BGB.

Can I reduce rent because of mold?

If usability is impaired, a rent reduction may be possible; report the defect in writing and give the landlord a deadline to remedy it.

What if roommates repeatedly violate rules?

First seek internal talks, document issues and if necessary consider formal warnings or an eviction suit; legal steps require evidence.

How-To

1. Step 1: Document the defect and note the date.
2. Step 2: Send a written defect notice to landlord and roommates (notice).
3. Step 3: Set a reasonable deadline (e.g. 14 days) and await a response (deadline).
4. Step 4: If no reaction, consider legal advice and possibly file suit at the local court (court).

Help and Support / Resources

• Legal source: BGB § 535 (landlord duties)
• Federal Court of Justice: tenancy decisions
• Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO)

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet – BGB §§ 535–580a
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet – Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof – Entscheidungen zum Mietrecht