Tenant Tips: Shared Kitchens in Germany

As a tenant in Germany you will often encounter shared kitchens in apartment buildings, student residences or special housing forms. Mistakes in handling cleaning, repairs or cost sharing often lead to conflicts with neighbors or landlords. This article clearly explains what rights and obligations you have, how modernizations proceed and which deadlines and forms are important. I give concrete examples on how to document defects, draft a written defect notice correctly and when a rent reduction or termination may be considered. At the end you will find a step-by-step guide and official links to laws and courts in Germany so you can act safely and informed.

Rights and Obligations

As a tenant you have obligations to use the rental property properly; at the same time the BGB obliges the landlord to maintain the rental property. For questions on duties and claims, consult the statutory provisions.^[1] In case of dispute, civil procedures are usually brought before the local Amtsgericht; higher legal questions are decided by regional courts or the Federal Court of Justice.^[3]

Common Mistakes in Shared Kitchens

• Failing to document defects (no photos, no dated defect notice).
• Making changes to common areas without coordination with co-tenants or the landlord.
• Not responding to deadlines in landlord letters or to warnings.
• Unclear cost sharing for repairs or modernizations.

Modernization — what tenants should know

Modernizations of communal facilities can be permissible if the landlord properly notifies tenants and complies with rules on rent increases and announcements. Rights and obligations on modernization derive from the BGB; check announcements carefully and document changes.

Forms and Deadlines

• Termination letter (template): If you want to terminate, use a dated, signed letter with the correct notice period.
• Defect notice: in writing, with date, description and photos; request a deadline for repair.
• Observe deadlines for modernization and court dates, otherwise rights may be lost.

FAQ

Can the landlord modernize the shared kitchen without consent?

The landlord can announce modernizations but must comply with deadlines and information duties; whether consent is required depends on the scope and can have legal consequences for tenants.^[1]

When can I reduce the rent because of a defective kitchen?

If the usability is impaired, tenants can reduce rent after informing the landlord of the defect and after a reasonable period for repair has elapsed.^[1]

Which court do I file an eviction or payment claim with?

Eviction or payment claims are generally filed with the local Amtsgericht; civil procedure law regulates form and process.^[2]

How-To

1. Document the defect immediately with photos, date and a short description.
2. Send a written defect notice to the landlord by registered mail or email and request a deadline for repair.
3. Observe the set deadline; note deadlines and further communication.
4. If no solution follows, consider legal steps and possibly filing a claim at the local Amtsgericht.

Key Takeaways

• Documentation is the basis for successful claims.
• Observe deadlines: missing them often causes disadvantages.
• Written defect notices and forms protect your rights.

Help and Support / Resources

• [1] Gesetze im Internet – BGB §§535–580a
• [2] Gesetze im Internet – ZPO
• [3] Bundesgerichtshof – Decisions

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet – BGB §§535–580a
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet – ZPO
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof – Decisions