Tenant Rights for Origin Discrimination in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, discrimination because of origin can threaten your housing situation and safety. This guide explains clearly and practically which documents you should collect, which deadlines matter and which official steps are available in 2025 to report or have disadvantage corrected. I explain which types of evidence are common, how to make formal complaints to landlords or authorities and when a trip to the local court may be necessary. The language remains easy to understand; legal terms are explained. At the end you will find a step‑by‑step guide, frequently asked questions and direct links to the relevant legal texts and courts in Germany. Use the checklists and examples to act quickly and secure evidence.

Which records and documents you need

Collect as complete documentation as possible so you can clearly demonstrate disadvantage due to origin. Note date, time and participants, secure messages and photos and, if possible, ask witnesses for written statements. Legal foundations include the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG).^[1] For tenancy law issues, the provisions in the BGB are relevant.^[2]

• Notes of conversations, emails and SMS as direct documentation.
• Copy of the rental agreement and prior correspondence with the landlord.
• Photos or audio recordings that document incidents (observe data protection).
• Witness statements with contact details for later confirmation.
• Written complaint to the landlord or property manager (note the date).

Deadlines and what to watch for

Act promptly: evidence becomes harder to secure after a short time. In court proceedings, civil procedural rules of the ZPO apply; inform yourself early about deadlines and formal requirements.^[3] There is no uniform deadline for a complaint to the landlord, but many steps should be started within a few weeks so that evidence remains fresh.

• Evidence preservation: act immediately and record date and time.
• Written complaint: document within about 14–30 days if possible.
• For court claims: observe deadlines under the ZPO and consider legal advice.

Forms and official contacts

There is no single nationwide standard form for a discrimination complaint in the housing sector; in practice, written complaints to landlords or filing a lawsuit at the competent courts are used. The local Amtsgericht is usually responsible for tenancy disputes.^[4] For violated rights under the AGG, additional procedures may be relevant.

• Written complaint to the landlord (own letter, date, sender).
• Filing a lawsuit at the competent local court (check local form requirements).
• Application for court measures such as injunctions or damages if necessary.

If you need support

Use official information and advisory offers from the justice system, read the relevant statutes and seek legal advice if needed. Authorities and courts provide information on filing lawsuits and procedural steps; for legally complex cases, legal support is advisable.

FAQ

Can I take action if a landlord refused me a flat because of my origin?

Yes. You can document incidents and consider civil or administrative steps; the AGG covers discrimination protection.^[1]

Which authority or court is competent for disputes?

For most tenancy disputes, the local Amtsgericht is competent; for AGG matters, civil courts may also be relevant.^[4]

Which evidence is most helpful?

Correspondence, photos, witness statements and concrete contractual or offer documents are particularly persuasive.

How-To

1. Document the incident immediately: collect date, places, participants and evidence.
2. Send a written complaint to the landlord and request a confirmation.
3. Talk to witnesses and secure their contact information.
4. Check whether filing a lawsuit at the local court or proceedings under the AGG are appropriate and obtain legal advice if necessary.

Key Takeaways

• Careful documentation is often decisive for a successful complaint.
• Seek support early, especially when deadlines apply.

Help and Support / Resources

• [1] General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) - gesetze-im-internet.de
• [2] German Civil Code (BGB) - gesetze-im-internet.de
• [4] Information on courts - bundesgerichtshof.de

1. [1] Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz (AGG) - gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) - gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) - gesetze-im-internet.de
4. [4] Informationen zu Gerichten - bundesgerichtshof.de