Tenant Tools: Secure Dorm Internet in Germany

As a tenant in a dormitory in Germany, you may face questions about internet provision, conflict avoidance, and tenancy law. This text explains in plain language what rights and obligations tenants have, how to document outages, which deadlines apply, and which template letters help you communicate constructively with landlords or providers. You will find practical templates for reminder and termination letters, examples for preserving evidence for the local court, and concrete steps to resolve problems without escalation. The guidance applies to dormitories in large cities as well as smaller towns in Germany. If unsure, the links point to official sources where you can find legal texts and forms.

What tenants need to know about dorm internet

In general, the Civil Code (BGB) regulates landlord and tenant obligations regarding the use of the dwelling, especially regarding defects in the contractual use of the rental. A persistent or recurring internet outage can qualify as a defect; first communicate in writing with both landlord and provider and set a reasonable deadline for repair. You can find the legal provisions in the BGB.^[1]

Common conflicts and simple solutions

• Set deadlines: Request the provider or landlord in writing to fix the issue within a concrete deadline.
• Formal defect notice: Send a short dated letter describing the fault and the desired response time.
• Evidence preservation: Take photos, screenshots of error messages and save emails/chats.
• Check rent reduction: Find out if a temporary reduction is possible and document duration and impact of the outage.
• Court proceedings: If necessary, clarification can take place before the local court; proceedings and deadlines are governed inter alia by the ZPO.^[2]

Templates can help many steps: for example a sample termination letter, a standardized defect notice, or guidance on what to do in case of persistent outages. The Federal Ministry of Justice provides guidance and documents you can use as templates.^[3]

Frequently Asked Questions

Who pays if the internet fails?

That depends on the contract: if the connection is part of the rented property or a separate service, the lease agreement decides. For a defect of the rental property, the landlord may be liable.

Can I reduce the rent?

A rent reduction is possible if the usability is significantly impaired. Documentation, deadlines and written communication are important.

What does the local court do?

The local court decides tenancy disputes, such as payment or eviction claims; prior reminders and deadlines are usually required.

How-To

1. Troubleshooting: Contact the internet provider first and note the date and time of the report.
2. Written defect notice: Send the landlord/provider a dated letter with a description of the fault and a deadline for remedy.
3. Preserve evidence: Secure logs, photos and communication records in a safe place.
4. Consider rent reduction: Calculate a reasonable reduction if appropriate and inform the landlord in writing.
5. Legal action: If no solution, consider legal action at the competent local court and present your documentation.

Key Takeaways

• Deadlines and written communication are crucial for later claims.
• Detailed evidence increases your chances in disputes.
• Local courts are the first instance for tenancy disputes.

Help and Support / Resources

• Civil Code (BGB) and other laws
• Federal Ministry of Justice – forms and guidance
• Federal Court of Justice – case law

1. [1] Civil Code (BGB) §535 ff.
2. [2] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO)
3. [3] Federal Ministry of Justice (BMJ) – forms and guidance