Tenants: Proving Neighbor Bullying in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, systematic neighbor bullying after moving in can severely affect your living situation. This guide explains step by step how to gather evidence, document incidents and use official forms to protect your rights. I describe in plain language which legal bases from the BGB are relevant, when you should involve the local court and which deadlines must be observed. You will receive practical templates for defect notices, an overview of contact points and tips for safely storing photos, messages and witness statements. The aim is to give you clear actions so you as a tenant can act factually and effectively against harassment. Also read which official template forms from the Federal Ministry of Justice can be used and how to meet deadlines. Contact information for local courts and doctors in case of health effects completes the guide.

What to do about neighbor bullying?

Act in a structured way: note incidents promptly, document disturbances and check whether your landlord needs to be informed. The most important legal basis is tenancy law in the BGB and the landlord's duties to ensure the usability of the rented property.^[1]

Collecting evidence

Careful documentation is crucial: date, time, persons involved, photos and where appropriate audio recordings (observing data protection and personality rights) form the basis for later steps.

• Photos and videos of noise, damage or traces.
• Date-and-time log with concrete descriptions of each incident.
• Witness names and brief written statements from neighbors.
• Medical or doctor reports if harassment has health consequences.
• Note deadlines: when you informed the landlord and how much time has passed since then.

Forms and templates

There are no binding compulsory forms for many steps, but common documents exist: defect or disturbance reports to the landlord, deadline letters for remedy and, in case of conflict, the statement of claim at the local court according to ZPO rules.^[2]

• Defect report / disturbance notification: describe the incident, date and desired remedy factually.
• Deadline letter: set the landlord a clear deadline for remedy and announce possible next steps.
• Claim or court filing: if the landlord does not respond, prepare a complaint and file it at the local court.

When to go to court?

If communication, deadline letters and documentation do not lead to a solution, going to the local court may be appropriate. Rental disputes in the first instance are generally heard at the relevant local court; information on jurisdiction is available via the justice portal.^[3]

• Local court: filing the complaint, service and the first hearing.
• Observe deadlines: complaints must be submitted correctly and on time.
• Check legal aid: under certain conditions, legal aid for court costs may be available.

FAQ

What can I do immediately if neighbor bullying begins?

Document every incident (date, time, description) and inform the landlord promptly in writing with a concrete deadline for remedy.

When is it sensible to report to the police?

In the case of criminal acts such as threats, damage to property or bodily injury, you should secure evidence and file a criminal complaint.

What role does the landlord play?

The landlord must ensure the contractual use of the apartment; they are obliged to stop disturbances if they become aware of them.

How-To

1. Step 1: Document immediately – record date, time, duration and type of disturbance.
2. Step 2: Secure evidence – collect photos, messages and witness names and store them safely.
3. Step 3: Inform the landlord in writing – send a defect notice with a deadline for remedy.
4. Step 4: Consider court action – file a claim at the competent local court if necessary.
5. Step 5: Safety and health – in cases of acute danger, contact the police or medical services immediately.

Help and Support

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB): Tenancy law
• Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO): Court procedures
• Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a — Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Competent courts: Local court — Justice portal of the federal states