Tradesperson Access for Tenants in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, access by tradespeople can raise questions about privacy, the duty to tolerate entry and legal deadlines. This text explains in clear language which rights and duties tenants and landlords have regarding access, which legal bases (BGB) apply and how to log visits, calculate deadlines and secure evidence. You will receive practical steps for legally secure documentation, templates and guidance on which authorities or courts are responsible. The aim is that you remain able to act as a tenant, review unclear access requests and present the right evidence in case of dispute. Concrete sample texts and links to official sources are helpful.

Legal situation

German tenancy law regulates the basic duties of landlord and tenant in §§ 535–580a of the BGB. Landlords generally have the duty to maintain the property, while tenants must consider the duty to tolerate necessary work. Rules of civil procedure (ZPO) apply for court actions.^[1][2][3]

When may the landlord or tradesperson enter?

Access is permitted in urgent emergencies (e.g. burst pipe), at an agreed appointment, or if the tenant has previously given consent. Blanket inspections without notice are not permitted. Time windows should be reasonable (weekday daytime) and the purpose must be clearly stated.

Practical steps before and during an appointment

• Confirm the appointment in writing and record the time.
• Confirm access: note the persons name and company.
• Create a log: document reason for visit, start/end times and observed defects.
• Take photos as evidence and store them with dates.
• Note deadlines: record follow-up appointments or repair deadlines.
• Put objection or consent in writing and send by registered mail if necessary.

Forms, authorities and when they are relevant

There is no single nationwide "access form", but there are important procedural forms for court cases. Relevant examples include:

• Application for legal aid (PKH)  official form for people with limited means when a legal dispute requires financial support; example: you want to defend against an eviction but cannot afford court costs.
• Filing a claim at the competent local court (Amtsgericht)  for unlawful access or missing repairs; submit logs and evidence.
• Written defect notice (no uniform federal form)  send a clear description of the defect with a deadline for remediation, e.g. by registered mail.

Practical example: sequence for an unclear tradesperson visit

You receive a notice that a tradesperson will come tomorrow between 9000 and 12000. Confirm the appointment in writing, note the company name and time, make a short log during the visit and take photos of relevant areas. If repairs are not completed within stated deadlines, send a written defect notice with a deadline and prepare evidence for potential proceedings.

FAQ

Do I always have to grant access to tradespersons?

Not always. In urgent emergencies yes; otherwise only with notice or consent. Blanket searches of the apartment are not permitted and you can insist on a scheduled appointment.

How do I document a visit correctly?

Record date, time, names and company, note the repair reason and take photos. Keep all messages and invoices.

What do I do if I have a dispute with the landlord?

Try for a written agreement, send a formal defect notice if necessary and consider court action at the local court; apply for legal aid if needed.

How-To

1. Confirm appointment: put date and time in an email or message.
2. Make a log: note names, company, start/end and reason for repair.
3. Set a deadline: send a written defect notice with a clear deadline if repairs do not occur.
4. Involve authorities: file claims or applications at the local court and consider legal aid.

Help and Support

• Gesetze im Internet: BGB
• Gesetze im Internet: ZPO
• Justizportal: Information on courts and forms

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1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) - Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) - Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Justizportal - Information on local courts and forms