Tenants negotiate construction work in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, construction work in your building can affect your living quality and finances. This text explains clearly how to negotiate on time, check rent reductions and document damage so you remain able to act in disputes. You will find concrete steps for setting deadlines, communicating with the landlord and securing evidence. I also describe which formulations help in informal letters and when going to the local court is sensible. Practical notes on deadlines and rights are intended to give you confidence without legal jargon.

What to do during construction work?

Start systematically: document defects, inform the landlord in writing and set a reasonable deadline. In case of significant impairments, a rent reduction may be relevant; check the conditions under the BGB.^[1]

• Take photos and record date, duration and type of the impairment.
• Set a clear deadline for the landlord to remedy the issue (e.g. 14 days) and state the deadline in writing.
• Check whether a rent reduction is appropriate and which percentage you can claim.
• Send all letters by registered mail or at least by email with read confirmation.
• If the landlord does not respond: consider legal steps at the competent local court.

Communication and deadlines

Phrase complaints factually: name the defects, attach photos and set a concrete deadline. Refer if necessary to your rights from the lease and the BGB.^[1]Note all calls and conversations with date and time. If deadlines are not met, inform that you may claim a rent reduction or initiate legal steps under the Code of Civil Procedure.^[2]

When to involve the court?

The local court (Amtsgericht) is the first instance for many tenancy disputes such as eviction suits or disputes over rent reduction. For fundamental legal questions or cases of greater importance, decisions can also reach the Federal Court of Justice.^[3]

• Local court: first instance in tenancy disputes.
• In court: present full documentation and a chronological list of evidence.
• Often a formal letter from a lawyer helps to resolve conflicts before litigation.

FAQ

Can I reduce the rent immediately if construction causes noise or dirt?

In many cases yes, if the usability of the apartment is significantly restricted; check the amount of the rent reduction based on comparable court decisions and document impairments carefully.

How do I set an appropriate deadline for defect remediation?

Write the defect down, attach evidence and specify a clear deadline (e.g. 14 days). Ask for confirmation of receipt.

Who do I contact for urgent safety defects?

In case of danger to persons (e.g. heating failure in winter) inform the landlord immediately and, if necessary, the local emergency services; document contact attempts.

How-To

1. Write to the landlord: describe defects and set a deadline for remediation.
2. Wait for the set deadline; continue to document all impairments.
3. Create an evidence booklet with photos, witnesses and invoices.
4. Apply for a rent reduction if justified and inform the landlord of the amount.
5. If necessary: file a lawsuit at the competent local court or seek legal advice.

Help and Support

• 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