Tenant Rights: Neighbor Harassment in Germany 2025

Many tenants in Germany experience conflicts after moving in that can develop into neighbor harassment. This article explains in practical terms what rights tenants have, how tenancy law and evidence preservation help, and which official steps are possible — from documentation to formal complaints to lawsuits at the local court. I describe which deadlines to observe, which forms and templates are relevant, and how social and housing law can support affected tenants. The goal is to enable you as a tenant to recognize harassment, enforce your rights, and prepare necessary documents for authorities or court. Read on for concrete sample texts, evidence collection tips, and contact points in Germany, including local courts and federal courts.

What is neighbor harassment?

Neighbor harassment means systematic, repeated harassment, intimidation, or disturbances that make the use of the flat difficult. Not every disturbance is automatically a legal case, but persistent, targeted actions can give rise to rent reduction claims, injunctions, or other legal steps. Relevant legal foundations can be found in the German Civil Code (BGB) on tenant and landlord duties.^[1]

Immediate steps for tenants

• Documentation (evidence): Immediately collect photos, videos and a disturbance log with date and time.
• Contact the property manager (contact): Report in writing and set a deadline for remedy.
• Formal complaint (notice): Send a complaint by registered mail or email with read receipt to the landlord or manager.
• Observe deadlines (deadlines): Document response times and any cure periods to avoid losing rights.
• Legal steps (court): If no remedy is provided, consider filing suit at the local court.

Forms and templates

For formal steps there are official or court forms. Examples and typical use cases:

• Lawsuit form (forms) – model form for civil suits: Used when filing an injunction or damages claim at the local court; example: you file suit because repeated harassment seriously impairs apartment use.^[4]
• Termination letter (forms) – guidance from the Federal Ministry of Justice: If tenants wish to terminate, observe formal requirements and deadlines; example: give written termination by registered mail.
• Temporary injunction (forms) – court application for immediate protection: Can provide short-term relief in case of threats in common areas.

Court and authorities

Local tenancy disputes are usually heard at the Amtsgericht; procedural rules are governed by the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO).^[2] Appeals go to the Landgericht, and questions of principle to the Federal Court of Justice (BGH).^[3] Evidence, chronologies and witnesses are decisive. In many cases, out-of-court settlements are possible and advisable to save time and costs.

FAQ

When can I reduce my rent?

You may reduce your rent if the usability of the apartment is impaired by the disturbance to such an extent that the contractually agreed use is restricted; document the scope and duration of the disturbance.

Who is responsible for escalating neighbor disputes?

For civil claims the local court (Amtsgericht) is responsible; for criminal acts contact the police and document incidents.

Which deadlines must I observe?

Report disturbances immediately in writing and set a reasonable deadline for remedy; for lawsuits observe limitation and procedural deadlines under the ZPO.

How-To

1. Collect evidence: Note photos, videos, noise recordings and witness statements in chronological order.
2. Send a written complaint: To the landlord/manager with a deadline and concrete request for remedy.
3. Contact authorities: Notify police for criminal acts; seek advice from the local court or legal counsel for civil disputes.
4. Seek amicable resolution: Mediation or settlement proposals; document offers and responses.
5. Initiate legal steps: File a lawsuit at the local court with evidence attachments.

Key Takeaways

• Early and consistent documentation strengthens your legal position.
• Use official forms for filings to avoid procedural mistakes.
• Use official contact points and the local court as first legal recourse.

Help and Support / Resources

• Law texts (BGB) – Gesetze im Internet
• Procedural law (ZPO) – Gesetze im Internet
• Forms & Service – Justiz

1. [1] Gesetze-im-Internet.de – Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
2. [2] Gesetze-im-Internet.de – Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) – Bundesgerichtshof.de
4. [4] Justiz.de – Formulare & Service