Tenant Rights in Germany: Viewings & Equal Treatment

As a tenant in Germany, unfair treatment during viewings can be stressful, especially for families in large cities. This guide explains clearly and practically which rights you have, how to identify and correct equal-treatment errors in writing, which official forms and templates are useful, and when local courts or other authorities should be involved. We show step by step how to secure evidence, draft a formal complaint and keep deadlines. Examples and sample texts help you act immediately. The aim is that you can enforce your claims understandably without legal expertise — with reference to relevant provisions of the BGB and competent courts in Germany.

What to do about discrimination during viewings?

As a tenant you are entitled in Germany to equal treatment during property viewings. If you notice that questions or behaviour are unfair, immediately document date, time and content of the incident and note any witnesses. Refer in your written response to the legal basis, such as the landlord duties in the BGB^[1], and request a correction or explanation from the landlord.

Practical steps

• Secure evidence (documents): take photos, notes, and record witness names.
• Inform the landlord in writing: briefly state what happened and request correction.
• Use a complaint template: prepare a sample letter and send by registered mail or email with confirmation.^[3]
• Observe deadlines: set a clear response deadline (e.g. 14 days) and note dates and times.
• If no solution: consider filing a claim at the local court and check documents and costs.^[2]

Forms and templates

Important templates and forms for tenants include a template letter to request correction, a formal complaint template and, if necessary, a sample termination letter. Use practical wording such as "Please correct the stated information by DD.MM.YYYY" and keep proof of delivery. Official guidance on legal bases and sample texts is available from the responsible ministries.^[3]

Courts and procedures

If the landlord does not respond or the situation escalates, the local court (Amtsgericht) handles many tenancy disputes; proceedings follow the Civil Procedure Code (ZPO). Learn about claim types, costs and evidence rules and consider mediation or dispute resolution first where available.^[2]

FAQ

Can I refuse a viewing if I fear discrimination?

You can document viewing situations and bring a companion; an outright refusal may affect the contractual relationship. Record incidents and request a written clarification from the landlord.

What deadlines apply for complaints or claims?

You set internal response deadlines (e.g. 14 days). Statutory limitation periods depend on the case; procedural deadlines arise from the ZPO.^[2]

When should I involve the local court?

If the landlord does not respond, does not correct the issue or damage has occurred, the local court can be approached. Check chances of success, evidence and possible costs beforehand.

How-To

1. Collect evidence (documents): photos, messages, witness statements and note date/time.
2. Send a formal complaint letter (form): state the incident clearly and set a deadline for correction.
3. Wait for the deadline (time): document any response or lack thereof.
4. File a claim at the local court (court) and submit all evidence if no solution is found.

Help and Support / Resources

• Laws: BGB §§535–580a for detailed legal basis.
• Forms: sample letters and guidance from the Federal Ministry of Justice.
• Courts: information about the local court and further instances for proceedings.

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1. [1] § 535 BGB – Duties of the landlord
2. [2] ZPO – Civil procedure rules
3. [3] Sample letters and guidance – Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection