Tenant Rights Germany: Report Discrimination 2025

As a tenant in Germany you may encounter a discriminatory housing ad — this is distressing and legally relevant. This guide clearly explains which documents, evidence and deadlines you need to observe in 2025, how to document incidents and which authorities to contact. I describe practical steps: which forms to use, when deadlines run, how to secure photos and messages as evidence and which courts or authorities to approach. The aim is that you understand your rights under tenancy law and can act confidently without presuming legal expertise. At the end you will find sample forms and official contact points in Germany. I also show how to calculate deadlines and store evidence in an orderly way.

What to collect

• Photos of the ad and screenshots with date and time.
• Emails, SMS and messages with landlord or agent.
• Names and contact details of witnesses.
• Documents such as the tenancy agreement, payment receipts and copies of the listing.

Laws, authorities and forms

Key points are the landlord's obligations under tenancy law and anti-discrimination rules. Relevant provisions in the German Civil Code (BGB)^[1] regulate duties and defects; the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) protects against disadvantage because of origin, gender or disability (AGG)^[2]. For advice and reports there is the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency, which documents and advises on cases Anti-Discrimination Agency^[3]. For court action many disputes are dealt with by the local district court (Amtsgericht)^[4].

Specific forms for a lawsuit are available at your local district court; often an initial written complaint to the platform or landlord is sufficient. If you consider filing a complaint or lawsuit, note dates carefully and keep evidence in chronological order.

How-To

1. Collect all evidence: screenshots, photos, messages and witness statements.
2. Contact the platform or advertiser first in writing and request removal or correction.
3. File a complaint with the Anti-Discrimination Agency if necessary and attach your evidence.
4. If out-of-court measures fail, prepare a lawsuit at the competent district court or seek legal advice.
5. Monitor deadlines and keep records organized so you can present them quickly if needed.

FAQ

What counts as a discriminatory housing ad?

An ad is discriminatory if it excludes or disadvantages people based on protected characteristics, such as ethnicity, religion, gender or disability.

Which deadlines do I need to watch?

There is no single deadline for reporting; however, statutory limitation and procedural deadlines apply to legal action. Therefore document everything immediately.

Where do I file a complaint?

You can contact the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency, send a written complaint to the advertiser and, if necessary, bring a lawsuit at the district court.

Help and Support

• Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency
• §535 BGB – Gesetze im Internet
• Justice Portal Germany – Courts Information

1. [1] §535 BGB – Landlord duties — Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) — Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency — Advice and information
4. [4] Justice Portal Germany — Information on district courts