Tenant Rights for Students in Germany 2025

As a tenant in student housing you often face specific rules that differ from ordinary rental agreements. This guide helps students in Germany identify typical mistakes before signing, understand rights under tenancy law and take practical steps for issues such as rent reduction, repair needs or termination. We explain clear examples of which clauses may be invalid, what landlord obligations are and which official forms or courts are responsible. Language uncertainties and unclear house rules can be avoided with simple rules and documentation. The goal is that you as a tenant can decide informed and assert your rights vis-à-vis landlords and the university.

What to check before signing?

First check the main points: landlord obligations, billing of ancillary costs and rules on the security deposit. Tenancy law regulates basic obligations such as maintenance and rent reduction.^[1] For legal proceedings the rules of the Code of Civil Procedure apply.^[2]

• Security deposit: Clarify amount, interest and repayment deadline; avoid vague flat fees.
• House rules: Understand rules on cleaning, quiet hours and visitors; question unfair sanctions.
• Repairs: Note responsibility for defects, deadlines for reporting and self-remedy.
• Deadlines: Observe termination deadlines, grace periods and deadlines for rent reduction or remediation.
• Access: When the landlord may enter rooms and what privacy rights apply.
• Documentation: Keep a handover record, photos of defects and correspondence.

Specific clauses and examples

Typical problematic clauses concern flat cleaning fees, general cost lump sums without breakdown and broad liability exclusions. Operating cost statements must be transparent; rules such as the Operating Costs Ordinance apply.^[3] For heating cost statements and consumption billing the Heating Costs Ordinance is relevant.^[4] Subsidy regulations and special housing entitlements are governed by the Housing Promotion Act.^[5]

• Operating costs: Allow lump sums only with clear calculation.
• Heating costs: Check consumption-based billing and secure meter readings.
• Liability: Unnecessarily broad liability rules for minor damage are often ineffective.

What to do if problems occur?

Proceed step by step: report defects, set a deadline for remedy and document everything. Rent reduction is possible if the dwelling is defective; the legal basis is in the BGB.^[1] If a lawsuit arises, the local court (Amtsgericht) is competent; higher instances decide at the regional court and in appeals the Federal Court of Justice.^[6][7]

• Initial contact: Inform the landlord in writing and set a deadline.
• Forms: Send letters to the landlord by registered mail and document receipt.
• Evidence: Collect photos, witnesses and cost estimates.
• Court: Contact the competent local court if necessary.^[6]

FAQ

Can I reduce the rent if the heating fails?

Yes, for significant defects such as heating failure a rent reduction may be appropriate; check the scope and duration and document everything.^[1]

What happens if I violate the house rules?

Minor violations usually lead to warnings; repeated serious violations can lead to termination but must be proportionate.

Who is responsible for utility bills?

The landlord must provide a transparent bill; in disputes the local court can decide and the Operating Costs Ordinance (BetrKV) may be applied.^[3]

How-To

1. Read the contract and mark unclear clauses.
2. Photographically document defects and create a handover record.
3. Send a written defect notice with a deadline to the landlord.
4. If necessary, file a claim at the local court or seek legal advice.^[6]

Help and Support

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – gesetze-im-internet.de
• Justizportal – Amtsgerichte und Zuständigkeiten
• Bundesgerichtshof – Rechtsprechung

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) - gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) - gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Betriebskostenverordnung (BetrKV) - gesetze-im-internet.de
4. [4] Heizkostenverordnung (HeizKV) - gesetze-im-internet.de
5. [5] Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG) - gesetze-im-internet.de
6. [6] Justizportal - Zuständigkeiten der Amtsgerichte - justiz.de
7. [7] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) - bundesgerichtshof.de