Tenant Rights: Strollers in Hallways - Germany

Many tenants in Germany face the question of whether strollers may be stored permanently in stairwells or building hallways. As a tenant you should know your tenant rights, the house rules and the safety of other residents. This text explains clearly how to communicate fairly, avoid damage and blocked escape routes, and when formal steps are appropriate. It describes practical actions, which deadlines to observe and which courts are responsible in a dispute. The goal is to resolve conflicts without escalation, protect your rights and at the same time consider your neighbors.

Rights and Obligations in Multi-Family Buildings

Basically, the rental agreement and the house rules determine whether items like strollers are allowed in the hallway. Legal foundations can be found in the Civil Code, especially regarding landlord duties and the provision of use.^[1] For court proceedings, the rules of the Code of Civil Procedure apply.^[2]

Practical Steps for Tenants

• Inform the landlord in writing within a reasonable period about the problem, ideally with photos and dates.
• Check the house rules and quote relevant passages in the letter to the property management.
• Talk to the affected neighbors to find an amicable solution.
• Keep a short record of conversations, requests and responses as evidence.

What to Do in Persistent Conflicts?

If conversations and notices do not help, tenants can act formally: request removal of the obstruction, set a deadline and, if necessary, file a complaint with the property management. In particularly serious cases, the competent local court is the right place for clarification.^[3]

• Set a clear deadline (e.g. 14 days) for removing the stroller.
• If the deadline passes, send a written reminder to landlord and responsible person.
• If there is no reaction, consider legal action or advice via the local court.

FAQ

Can my landlord prohibit leaving strollers in the hallway?

Yes, if the house rules or the lease prohibit leaving items or if escape routes and safety are compromised.

What can I do if a neighbor leaves their stroller permanently in the hallway?

Document the situation, inform the landlord in writing and seek a conversation; if needed set a deadline and consider legal steps.

Which authorities are responsible if a legal dispute arises?

For most tenancy disputes the local court (Amtsgericht) is responsible; higher instances are the regional court and the Federal Court of Justice.

How-To

1. Take photos and document the time.
2. Inform the landlord in writing and quote the house rules.
3. Talk to neighbors and offer solutions.
4. Set a deadline and send a reminder if not complied with.
5. Consider court clarification at the local court for ongoing conflicts.

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) - gesetze-im-internet.de
• Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) - gesetze-im-internet.de
• Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) - bundesgerichtshof.de

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) — bundesgerichtshof.de