Tenants: Parties and Guests in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, you may sometimes face the question of how parties and visitors are allowed in the rented flat without upsetting neighbors or the landlord. This guide explains clear rules from house rules and tenancy law, shows practical steps for noise, damage or complaints and describes when formal letters or a notice to the local court may be necessary. I explain how to manage guests, when landlords may request access, which deadlines apply and how to collect evidence. The aim is to avoid conflicts and protect your tenant rights in an understandable way so you can live peacefully and act legally if problems occur.

What does the house rules regulate?

The house rules often specify details on quiet hours, use of common rooms and guest rules. Many obligations also arise from general tenancy law (Sections 535–580a BGB)^[1], which sets out landlord and tenant duties. Read your lease and the house rules carefully; these documents often determine whether and how many guests are allowed or if special rules for parties apply.

Practical rules for parties and guests

Before organizing an event, check the house rules and lease. Communicate openly with neighbors and the landlord when larger events are planned. The following basic rules help avoid conflicts:

• Observe quiet hours and avoid noise especially at night.
• Notify guests if the house rules require it.
• Take responsibility for damage and report it immediately.
• Clarify long-term or frequent overnight guests with the landlord.

If noise or damage occurs

In case of significant noise, damage or repeated breaches, document incidents immediately with date and time. Collect evidence such as photos, videos or witness statements. If private talks with perpetrators do not help, write a formal complaint to the landlord. In extreme cases, eviction claims or other legal steps may follow (Code of Civil Procedure, ZPO)^[2], and disputes can end up at the local court; important decisions interpreting tenancy law may also be made by the Federal Court of Justice (BGH)^[3].

• Document: photos, videos, date, time and witnesses.
• Send a written complaint to the landlord and set deadlines.
• If no help: consider legal steps at the local court (eviction claim, claim for damages)^[2].

What tenants should do: letters and deadlines

For formal steps, concrete letters are important. Examples and practical use:

• Termination letter (template of the Federal Ministry of Justice) – when you end the tenancy, use a clear termination letter with date and signature; send by registered mail or hand it over personally and document the delivery^[4].
• Defect notice / rent reduction – report significant impairments in writing, state a deadline for remedy and document impacts on habitability.
• Contact the landlord: set deadlines (e.g. a reasonable 14-day period) and request written confirmation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. May I have parties in my apartment?

Yes, as long as you observe house rules and the lease and respect quiet hours; excessive noise may constitute a breach of contract.

2. What should I do about recurring noise from guests?

First talk to the person responsible, document incidents and report them to the landlord; if necessary, the landlord can issue a warning.

3. Can the landlord generally ban visitors?

A general ban on visitors is rarely permissible; restrictions are only conceivable with a clear contractual basis or a legitimate interest of the landlord.

How-To

1. Check lease and house rules for specific guest and quiet hour rules.
2. Talk early with neighbors and the landlord to avoid problems.
3. Document noise and damage immediately with date, time and evidence.
4. Send a written defect notice or complaint to the landlord and set a reasonable deadline.
5. If no solution, consider legal steps at the local court; seek legal advice first.

Key Takeaways

• Communication with neighbors and landlord resolves many conflicts.
• Documentation is essential for rent reduction or legal steps.
• Knowing house rules, the lease and the BGB protects your rights.

Help and Support

• Gesetze im Internet: BGB (tenancy law)
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH)
• Justice Portal: courts and procedures

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1. [1] BGB §§535–580a - gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] ZPO - gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof - bundesgerichtshof.de
4. [4] Justice Portal - forms and court information