Tenant Rights: Pets in Germany 2025

Many tenants in Germany face questions when pets use areas such as stairwells, gardens or common rooms. This text explains in plain language what rights and duties tenants have, how house rules work and when landlords may impose restrictions. You will learn which proofs or forms are useful, how to document conflicts and which deadlines apply for complaints. Concrete steps show how to communicate factually with the property manager, when an amicable solution is possible and when legal action should be considered. The aim is to provide practical, low-conflict solutions for the use of common areas and give tenants in Germany solid guidance.

What applies legally?

As a tenant in Germany, central rules from the Civil Code (Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch, BGB) apply to maintenance, use of the rented property and the duties of landlord and tenant. For court proceedings the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) is decisive, and decisions of the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) shape interpretation in individual cases. In disputes, the local court (Amtsgericht) is the first instance for tenancy claims. Practically this means: check the house rules, document disturbances and inform the landlord or property manager within deadlines.^[1][2][3]

Common rules on pets in communal areas

• Stairwell: leashing, cleanliness and liability (safety).
• Garden/Courtyard: shared use, dog waste removal and quiet hours (safety).
• Small pets (fish, hamsters): often allowed, usually without special permission (evidence).
• Large dogs: landlord consent may be required; disputes may require case-by-case judicial review (court).
• Prohibitions in the house rules: must be clearly worded and legally justified; blanket bans are often challengeable (notice).

Many conflicts can be avoided by clear rules and communication. Request written decisions if necessary, use official sample letters or seek advice, and pay attention to deadlines when filing complaints.^[4]

FAQ

Can the landlord completely ban pets from communal areas?

No. Blanket bans are often ineffective; the specific balancing of interests applies. Restrictions are possible if legitimate interests of the community prevail and the clause is clear.

What should I do if dog waste is left in the stairwell?

Remove the waste immediately, document date and time, take photos and inform the property manager in writing. Collect evidence so claims can be enforced if necessary.

When is it sensible to involve the local court?

If out-of-court efforts fail, you may consider filing a suit at the local court; the procedure follows the rules of the ZPO and should be well documented.

How-To

1. Collect evidence: photos, dates, witnesses and any cost receipts (evidence).
2. Send a formal letter to the landlord or property manager and set a reasonable deadline (notice).
3. Use official sample forms or seek advice from advisory centers before considering legal counsel (call for help).
4. If necessary, file the claim at the competent local court and follow ZPO deadlines (court).

Key Takeaways

• Documentation typically matters more than verbal agreements.
• Blanket bans are legally contestable; the case-by-case balance is decisive.
• Early written communication reduces escalation.

Help and Support / Resources

• Civil Code (BGB) — Gesetze im Internet
• Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) — Gesetze im Internet
• Federal Court of Justice — Decisions on tenancy law

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet: BGB §§535–580a
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet: ZPO
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof: Decisions on tenancy law
4. [4] Federal Ministry of Justice (BMJ): Information and templates