Tenant Rights in Germany: AGG Complaint 2025

Many tenants in Germany face the challenge of recognizing discrimination in housing and proving it. This practical guide explains step by step how to prepare an AGG complaint, which documents serve as evidence and how to observe deadlines. I describe simple documentation methods, formal responses to landlords and when you should involve the local court. The goal is for families and single tenants to exercise their rights in tenancy law more securely and de-escalate conflicts early. Avoid legal jargon: the tips are understandable for non-lawyers and specifically tailored to German legal practice in 2025. The text names official forms, shows templates for reasoning and explains how to secure photos, messages and witness statements. You will also learn which laws such as the BGB and procedural routes in court are relevant.^[1][2]

What is an AGG complaint?

An AGG complaint addresses discrimination under the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG). As a tenant, you should check whether the treatment occurred because of characteristics such as origin, religion, gender or family status. A complaint can first be sent in writing to the landlord; document date, place and exact words or actions. If necessary, the matter can go to the local court, where tenancy claims are heard.^[2][3]

Step-by-step: Collecting evidence

• Take photos (photo) and videos (video), note date and time.
• Save messages, emails and payment receipts as record and keep a copy.
• Note deadlines (deadline): record deadlines for responses and possible court actions.
• Send a written complaint (notice) by registered mail or email with delivery confirmation.
• Document witness statements and keep contact information.

Forms and templates

There is no unified "AGG complaint form" from the federal government; often a simple dated letter describing the facts and the remedy requested is sufficient. For court proceedings, use the standardized complaint forms or applications at the local court; these forms explain which information is required and serve as templates for eviction claims or claims for damages.^[4]

When to involve the local court?

If out-of-court attempts fail or the matter concerns rent reduction, protection against eviction or damages, the local court is competent. Prepare a clear complaint: facts, evidence and concrete requests (e.g. injunction, damages). Refer to relevant sections of the BGB in your complaint when it concerns landlord obligations.^[1][3]

FAQ

What must be included in a written AGG complaint?

Date, concrete description of the incident, names of those involved, requested remedy and reference to attached evidence.

What deadlines apply for lawsuits in tenancy law?

Deadlines depend on the claim; many civil claims are subject to limitation periods under the BGB, so check early.

Who is responsible for tenancy disputes?

Usually the local court; for higher amounts in dispute the regional court may be competent.

How-To

1. Document the incident: note date, time, photos (photo) and witnesses.
2. Write a formal complaint (notice) and send it to the landlord; attach evidence.
3. Check deadlines (deadline) and log replies.
4. If necessary, file a complaint at the local court (court) with forms and evidence.

Help and Support / Resources

• [1] BGB §§ 535–580a — Gesetze im Internet
• [2] General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) — Gesetze im Internet
• [3] Justice Portal: information on courts and forms

1. [1] BGB §§ 535–580a — Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz (AGG) — Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — Gesetze im Internet
4. [4] Justice Portal: forms and court guidance