Tenant Rights: Internet in Dorms Germany 2025

As a tenant in a dormitory in Germany, you often face specific questions: Who is responsible for the internet connection, what rights do you have in case of disruptions, and may the landlord prescribe a connection or router? This article explains in clear language the most important tenancy law points about internet, Wi‑Fi expansion, provider changes and shared use in dorms. You will receive practical steps for reporting faults, evidence for rent reduction, and tips to protect privacy. I also show which courts are competent and which official forms can be used. The information is based on the current legal situation in 2025 and refers to relevant BGB paragraphs and official forms.

Who is responsible?

Fundamentally, the Civil Code regulates the landlord's duties and the tenants' rights: the landlord must maintain the rental property in a contractually agreed condition, which can include agreed supplies.^[1] Whether an internet connection belongs to the rented property depends on the rental contract and on actual agreements in the dorm. If a connection is promised in the contract, this counts as a contractual performance component.

Typical problems and how to proceed

The following steps help clarify typical cases such as network outages, insufficient bandwidth or restrictions due to provider changes.

• Report the fault: Inform the landlord or building management in writing immediately and request a deadline for remedy.
• Documentation: Collect evidence (screenshots, speed tests, date/time) as proof of the fault.
• Check rent reduction: In case of significant impairment a rent reduction may be possible; document scope and duration.
• Observe deadlines: If the landlord does not respond, recourse to the local court for clarification may be necessary.^[2]

Dispute about router or provider

Some dorms specify a particular provider or router. Such clauses are only effective if they are clearly regulated in the rental agreement and reasonable for the tenant. A blanket ban on a personal connection can be inadmissible; check the exact contract wording.

What to do in prolonged outages?

Proceed systematically: report, document, set a deadline, if necessary rent reduction and legal steps. For proceedings, the Code of Civil Procedure applies and tenancy matters are usually heard at the local court.^[2]

FAQ

Who decides whether a rent reduction is justified?

The competent court decides in case of dispute; the legal basis is §§ 535 ff. BGB.^[1]

Can the landlord bundle internet access for several apartments?

Yes, this is possible if contractually agreed and if the connection's performance is sufficient. Otherwise proportional usage rules apply.

Where do I turn if the landlord does not respond?

If out-of-court measures fail, you can file a lawsuit at the competent local court; information on procedure is found in the Code of Civil Procedure.^[2]

How-To

1. Step 1: Report the fault in writing and set a realistic deadline (e.g. 14 days).
2. Step 2: Collect evidence (screenshots, speed tests, date/time, inquiries to the provider).
3. Step 3: If no response, follow up in writing and announce an extension of the deadline.
4. Step 4: In case of persistent limitations calculate and apply rent reduction; document amount and period.
5. Step 5: If no solution, consider lawsuit or payment order and contact the local court.^[3]

Key Takeaways

• Keep all correspondence and proofs organised.
• Separate private and shared networks where possible to protect privacy.

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB: Civil Code (tenants' and landlords' rights)
• ZPO: Code of Civil Procedure (court procedures)
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – case law

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1. [1] Gesetze im Internet — Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet — Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof — judicial decisions