Tenants: Regulating Music in Germany

Many tenants in Germany face the conflict of how loud or how long music may be played in their own home. This guide explains in practical terms what rights and duties tenants have, how house rules and neighborhood law interact and which steps are possible if roommates or neighbors are disturbed. I describe how to effectively create a notice to regulate music times, which deadlines apply, which evidence is helpful and when a formal letter or the local court is the right point of contact. The language remains clear, with concrete action steps, links to official legal sources and templates so you can enforce your rights in Germany confidently and calmly.

What applies legally when making music?

As a tenant you generally have the right to make music in your apartment; at the same time the use must not exceed what is reasonable for neighbors. Landlord duties and maintenance rules are regulated in §§ 535–580a of the BGB^[1]. In serious disturbances, the local court can be responsible, for example for eviction suits or noise disputes^[2].

Practical steps: create and enforce a notice

A notice in multi-family houses can prevent conflicts and communicate clear music times. It should be written neutrally, list times, provide a contact for questions and be posted in visible places. Start with an informal conversation before posting a notice or initiating formal steps.

• Write clear times (e.g. weekdays 18:00–20:00, Sundays and holidays quiet).
• Provide a contact person and, if desired, phone number or email.
• Post the notice in a prominent place in the stairwell or on the bulletin board.
• Inform the property manager or landlord about the planned arrangement.

If neighbors do not respond

Keep a noise and communication log: date, time, duration, type of noise and other neighbors' reactions. Send a polite written request for repeated disturbances and set a reasonable deadline. If this fails, a formal warning or civil proceedings may follow; the rules for this are in the Civil Procedure Code (ZPO)^[3].

Which evidence helps?

Collect concrete evidence: audio recordings (if compliant with data protection), photos of notices, written complaints from other neighbors and a visitor list with observations. Keep copies of all letters and deliveries; this documentation is important if the local court is involved.

• Keep a noise log with date, time and duration.
• Save relevant messages and emails as evidence.

FAQ

Who decides whether making music is still reasonable?

In disputes the local court can decide whether the use is still reasonable; before that informal solutions and agreements are usually expected.

Can the landlord prohibit making music in general?

A blanket ban is rarely permissible; the landlord can intervene in cases of unreasonable disturbances and may issue warnings.

How do I draft a legally safe notice?

The notice should neutrally state times, provide a contact and politely ask for consideration. If in doubt, the property manager can advise.

How-To

1. Seek a clarifying conversation: first talk directly with affected neighbors.
2. Prepare a written notice: state fixed times and a contact person.
3. Create documentation: keep a noise log and collect evidence.
4. Send a formal request or warning: set a clear deadline.
5. If escalated, contact the local court and consider legal action.

Key Takeaways

• Ein sachlicher Aushang kann viele Konflikte vermeiden.
• Dokumentation ist entscheidend für mögliche gerichtliche Schritte.
• Informelle Lösungen sollten zuerst versucht werden.

Help and Support

• Local courts: jurisdictions and contact information
• BGB §535 and related provisions
• Civil Procedure Code (ZPO) overview

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §535 - Pflichten des Vermieters
2. [2] Justizportal - Information on courts and jurisdictions
3. [3] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) - Gesetze im Internet