Tenant Rights Pet Clauses Germany 2025

Tenants in Germany often face questions about keeping pets in 2025. Owner clauses, blanket bans or vague wording affect whether small dogs, cats or small animals are permitted and under what conditions. This guide explains tenants' rights, how to request landlord permission correctly and which evidence or insurances are sensible. You will also learn which courts are responsible and which legal bases in the BGB and ZPO are relevant so you are prepared for disputes and meet deadlines.^[1]

What changes in 2025?

There is no single new federal statute in 2025, but court rulings and interpretation practice clarify how far landlords may extend pet bans in standard contracts. Section 535 BGB on the transfer of use and Federal Court of Justice case law on contract interpretation and proportionality remain decisive.^[1][2]

Tenant rights and obligations

Tenants must treat the apartment with care and compensate for damages; at the same time landlords cannot enforce disproportionate blanket bans. For small or quiet pets, a balancing of interests can favor tenants. If the landlord requires consent, they often demand a written agreement and possibly pet liability insurance. In disputes, local courts and regional courts are competent; the Federal Court of Justice rules on principle questions.^[2]

• Send a written request to the landlord with a brief justification and proposed terms.
• Attach photos, a description of the pet and references to address concerns.
• Set a response deadline, e.g. 14 days, to create legal certainty.
• Propose safety or hygiene measures (leash rules, litter placement) to reassure the landlord.

Forms and courts

There is no nationwide mandatory "pet permit", but template letters and termination templates can help to frame claims. In eviction lawsuits or disputes over consent to pet keeping, the ZPO rules for filing a lawsuit and presenting evidence apply.^[3]

• Termination letter (template): Relevant if the landlord wishes to terminate because of pet keeping; use a clear, dated letter to respond or comment.
• Written consent/agreement: If the landlord agrees, ensure the conditions (liability, cleaning obligations, damage compensation) are recorded in writing.
• Evidence: Collect photos, witness statements, and correspondence and keep them chronological.

How to negotiate a clause change

Start politely and factually: describe the animal, size and temperament, offer proof of liability insurance and propose precautionary measures. Avoid aggressive short deadlines; give a reasonable response time. If the landlord refuses, request a written explanation and consider mediation or filing at the local court.

FAQ

Can the landlord ban pets across the board?

A blanket ban may be invalid for standard contracts in some cases; proportionality and the precise contract wording are decisive.^[2]

What to do if served a termination due to a pet?

Review the termination in writing, gather evidence of your conduct and consider filing objections or seeking legal advice within statutory time limits.^[3]

Which forms do I need?

There are templates for termination letters and written consent statements; official legal texts on tenancy and procedural law help with classification.^[1]

How-To

1. Send a written request to the landlord including a description of the pet and a request for consent.
2. Attach photos, vaccination and liability insurance proof and references.
3. Specify a reasonable deadline for reply, e.g. 14 days.
4. If refused, consider mediation or filing a claim at the local court.
5. Archive all responses, evidence and deadlines for the procedure.

Help and Support / Resources

• Official legal texts (gesetze-im-internet.de)
• Federal Court of Justice – decisions (bundesgerichtshof.de)
• Federal Ministry of Justice (bmj.de)

1. [1] §535 BGB – Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (gesetze-im-internet.de)
2. [2] Bundesgerichtshof – Entscheidungen zum Mietrecht (bundesgerichtshof.de)
3. [3] §253 ZPO – Klageschrift und Verfahrensregeln (gesetze-im-internet.de)