Tenant Rights: Neighbor Harassment in Germany 2025
After moving in, repeated disruptive behavior by neighbors can be distressing. As a tenant in Germany you have rights under tenancy law, such as the right to undisturbed use of your home and protection from harassment. This article explains concrete steps you can take: how to document incidents, which official forms and sample letters are useful, when to involve a lawyer or court, and which authorities are responsible. We show deadlines, templates for complaints and examples for securing evidence so you can strengthen your position. The information is based on current German laws and court jurisdictions so you can act safely and informed. Read on for practical templates and contacts.
What to do if you face neighbor harassment after moving in?
Neighbor harassment can take many forms: persistent noise, threats, repeated blocking of access, or targeted harassment. First: stay calm, collect evidence and inform the landlord. Rights and obligations arise from the Civil Code (BGB) and procedural law.
Tenant rights
As a tenant you are entitled to proper use of the rented property. Important rules are in §§ 535–580a BGB.[1] In case of significant impairment, claims for damages, injunctions or rent reduction may be possible. Rental disputes are usually handled first by the local court (Amtsgericht), then the regional court (Landgericht) and ultimately the Federal Court of Justice (Bundesgerichtshof) for fundamental issues.
Immediate measures
- Take photos and videos as evidence and save them with dates (evidence).
- Send a written notice to the landlord; describe the incident, date and witnesses, and request remedy (form).
- Observe deadlines: set a reasonable deadline for remedy, e.g. 14 days (time).
- In immediate danger or threat, call the police and file a report (call).
- For persistent harassment, consider legal action and possibly prepare for injunction or lawsuit (court).
Forms, templates and examples
Key forms and applications you should know:
- Defect notice / complaint about harassment: sample letter to the landlord with date, detailed description and witness information (example: "Please stop the noise nuisance by DD.MM.YYYY").
- Application for an injunction at the competent local court if immediate cessation is necessary; the procedure is governed by the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO).[2]
- Eviction lawsuit or injunction: forms and deadlines vary; legal advice is recommended.
Practical example: You are repeatedly threatened at night. You take dated photos and videos, inform the landlord in writing, file a police report and apply for an injunction at the local court.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I reduce the rent if I cannot live undisturbed because of neighbor harassment?
- Yes, in case of significant impairment a rent reduction may be possible if the landlord knew or should have known about the disturbance and did not act sufficiently.
- When should I file a police report?
- In cases of immediate threat, property damage or bodily harm you should contact the police immediately and file a report.
- Which court is competent for rental disputes?
- First instance is usually the local court (Amtsgericht); appeals go to the regional court (Landgericht) and fundamental issues to the Federal Court of Justice (Bundesgerichtshof).[3]
How-To
- Collect evidence: photos, videos, noise logs and witness statements (evidence).
- Send a written defect notice to the landlord with a deadline (form).
- In danger: call the police and file a report (call).
- Consider legal steps: injunction or lawsuit at the local court (court).
- Keep all documents and inform advisory services or a lawyer.
