Tenants Report Discriminatory Ads – Germany

As a tenant in Germany, you may encounter discriminatory housing ads that exclude applicants because of origin, religion, gender, family status or disability. Such ads affect your tenancy rights and can violate the General Equal Treatment Act. This guide explains in practical terms how to report an ad safely, which evidence to collect, how to draft a sample letter to the landlord and which authorities or courts are responsible. You will find concrete action steps, deadlines and documentation examples so that you can assert your rights in Germany confidently and within deadlines.

What is a discriminatory ad?

A discriminatory housing ad requests or prefers certain characteristics in applicants or explicitly excludes others. Such wording can directly violate the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) when people are disadvantaged because of protected characteristics. Check the ad wording and save screenshots and text copies as evidence.

Rights, laws and jurisdictions

Of particular importance for tenants are the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) and the tenancy law provisions in the AGG^[1] and the relevant provisions in the German Civil Code (BGB) §§ 535–580a^[2]. In disputes over injunctions or damages, the local court (Amtsgericht) is competent; appeals may be decided by the regional court and ultimately by the Federal Court of Justice.^[3]

Which forms and authorities are relevant?

As a tenant you can use several routes:

• Contact the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency for advice and referral to competent bodies.
• Send a written request to the advertiser/landlord demanding cessation (sample letter).
• If discrimination continues, file a lawsuit or injunction at the local court.

Strictly required official forms are rare; use the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency's contact form for a report and prepare a written complaint to the landlord. Legal proceedings require filing a claim at the competent local court.

Sample letter: Reporting a discriminatory housing ad

Dear [Landlord Name],

In your housing ad dated [date], you state that applicants must [exact wording from ad]. This wording discriminates under the AGG and is not acceptable for me as an applicant.

I hereby request in writing that you promptly remove or revise the ad and refrain from discriminatory wording in future. Please confirm the change in writing by [deadline: e.g. 14 days].

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Practical evidence preservation

Document the ad fully: screenshot with date and time, URL and the full ad text. Record who posted the ad and keep all messages. If possible, obtain written witness statements.

• Secure screenshots and printouts with date and source.
• Save a copy of the original ad including contact details.
• Have witnesses provide written statements.

FAQ

Can I report an ad anonymously?

In many cases you can initially report anonymously, but it is useful to provide contact details so authorities can ask follow-up questions.

Do I have to sue immediately?

No. First document, contact the landlord, and if necessary involve the Anti-Discrimination Agency or a counselling service.

What deadlines apply?

Injunction requests require fast responses; civil lawsuits follow the BGB statute of limitations and procedural rules.

How-To

1. Collect evidence: screenshots, text copies, URL and date.
2. Draft a sample letter and demand removal or change within a clear deadline.
3. Submit a report to the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency or seek advice.
4. If necessary, file a claim or injunction at the competent local court.

Important notes and deadlines

Respond within the deadlines you set; missing deadlines can weaken your claims. Keep all evidence organized and make secure copies.

Help and Support / Resources

• Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency
• Laws in the Internet (AGG, BGB)
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH)

1. [1] General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) – gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] German Civil Code (BGB) – gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice – bundesgerichtshof.de