Tenant Rights: Parties & Guests in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, parties and guests can quickly lead to conflicts with neighbors or landlords. This article explains in practical terms how to announce visitors, avoid disturbances and reduce disputes through clear communication and documentation. You will learn which rules are in the house rules, when the BGB provisions apply and how to have a clarifying conversation with the landlord. I also show which deadlines and wordings are important in written notices and how to report defects or noise complaints correctly. The tips are intended for everyday situations and help to implement rights and duties in an understandable way. In serious conflicts, you will also learn when the local court (Amtsgericht) is responsible and which evidence is important so that you can enforce your interests.

Rights and Duties for Parties & Guests

In principle: as a tenant you have the right to the contractual use of the apartment (§ 535 BGB), while you must also respect the rights of neighbors and observe the house rules. ^[1] If noise exceeds normal neighborhood burdens, this can constitute a breach of duty and have consequences. ^[2]

Practical rules before a gathering

• Inform neighbors and the property manager in good time about the date and times.
• Check the house rules: many rules on quiet hours and guest registration are set there.
• Limit the volume and avoid music during usual quiet hours.
• Ensure order at entrances and safety so that no neighbor rights are violated.

If complaints still occur: respond calmly, document times and possible witnesses, and seek a conversation with those affected.

Communication with the Landlord

Inform the landlord if you plan a larger event or if repeated disturbances occur. Written notices are often helpful: summarize date, time, duration and precautions taken.

• Written notice to the landlord for repeated disturbances: date, time, witnesses, requested remedy.
• Documentation: photos, noise logs and witness statements.
• For health-hazardous conditions (e.g. extreme noise, damage to common areas) a defect report makes sense.

What to do about persistent disturbances?

If talks do not succeed, the next step can be a formal warning or involving the landlord. In serious cases, legal action is possible; the local court (Amtsgericht) is competent for many tenancy disputes.

• Consider a landlord-issued warning or a written cease-and-desist demand.
• Gather evidence: noise logs, photos, messages and witness statements.
• Seek legal advice from public counseling centers or tenant associations.

FAQ

Can I hold a party in my rented apartment?

Yes, generally this is allowed as long as you follow the house rules and quiet hours and do not act in breach of contract.

Do I have to notify my landlord about visitors?

In most cases a short notification is sufficient; permanently taking in new roommates may require consent.

What should I do about repeated noise disturbances?

Document incidents, address the offenders, inform the landlord in writing and consider legal steps at the local court if problems persist.^[3]

How-To

1. Notify neighbors and landlord in good time about date and end time of the event.
2. Check house rules and relevant BGB provisions before planning.
3. Keep a short log during and after the event about volume and any complaints.
4. If disturbances persist, collect evidence and prepare a written notice to the landlord or the local court.

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – Gesetze im Internet
• Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) – Case law on tenancy
• Federal Ministry of Justice – Services and templates

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB): §535 ff. - Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) - Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) - Decisions and judgments