Tenants & Pets 2025: Rights in Germany

As a tenant in Germany you often wonder whether and how pets are allowed in the rental apartment. This practical paper explains clearly what rules may be in the house rules, what rights and duties tenants and landlords have and how to resolve conflicts constructively. You will read when dog keeping is permitted, which notification obligations apply, how exceptions for small animals look and how courts assess such questions. I also give concrete action steps: how to communicate with the landlord, which forms and deadlines are important and when a discussion at the local court is sensible. The aim is to provide clear orientation in tenancy law 2025 so that you can live safely and with few conflicts with pets.

What tenants in Germany need to know

German tenancy law regulates the obligations of landlords and tenants, including maintenance obligations, the surrender of use and protection against unlawful termination. Relevant provisions are found in the BGB; procedural law for court disputes is governed by the ZPO.^[1]

Pets and house rules

A house rule can set certain behavioral rules in a multi-party building, but it may not categorically prohibit dog keeping or small pets if it infringes the legitimate interests of tenants. Small pets like fish or small rodents are usually tolerated; for dogs or large animals courts examine reasonableness.

When the landlord may refuse

A landlord can refuse pet keeping in certain circumstances, e.g. if there is danger to the apartment, significant noise nuisance or if the communal life is massively disrupted. In cases of blanket bans, the local court examines proportionality.^[3]

Obligations and practical steps

• Inform the landlord in writing about the planned pet keeping (notice).
• Document care, vaccinations and possible damages with photos and receipts (evidence).
• Talk to neighbors and the landlord before getting a larger animal (call).
• Fix any damages or cleanliness issues caused by the pet immediately (repair).

Forms, deadlines and court

There are no uniform "pet forms" for disputes, but important documents include: written notice to the landlord, reminder letters or lawyer letters if needed, and filing a claim at the local court under the rules of the ZPO.^[2]

FAQ

Can the landlord generally ban pets?

A blanket ban is only permissible in narrow limits; courts examine individual cases and a balancing of interests.

Do I have to inform the landlord in writing?

Yes, a written notification creates clarity and is recommended, especially for dogs or larger animals.

Where can I turn if a dispute arises?

As a next step you can call on the local court; beforehand documentation and a conversation with the landlord are important.

How-To

1. Check your rental agreement for clauses on pet keeping.
2. Document the current condition of the apartment with dated photos.
3. Send a formal written notice to the landlord and keep a copy.
4. Set a reasonable deadline for a response, e.g. 14 days.
5. If no agreement is reached, consider filing a claim at the competent local court.

Key Takeaways

• Written communication provides evidence in disputes.
• Documentation of damages and behavior is decisive.
• Try negotiation before considering legal steps.

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB §§ 535–580a – Rights and duties in the tenancy
• ZPO – Rules for court procedures
• Federal Court of Justice – decisions on tenancy law

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a – gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) – gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) – bundesgerichtshof.de