Viewing Rights for Tenants in Germany
As a tenant in Germany, you may encounter discrimination during apartment viewings — for example because of origin, family status, disability or religion. This guide offers practical tools and templates so you can identify discrimination, document it, and have it formally corrected. It explains which laws (BGB, ZPO) and authorities are relevant, which official forms you should use, and how to collect evidence effectively. The language is clear, the steps are practical and prepared for court use if needed. Use the templates for written complaints, deadline notices and, if necessary, a report to the Anti-Discrimination Agency or a claim at the local court when talks with the landlord do not help. The guides include templates for letters, timing tips and examples of how to systematically secure photos, emails and witness statements. At the end you will find FAQs and a step‑by‑step complaint guide.
Rights at Viewings
Landlords may not arbitrarily ask about or decide based on characteristics like origin, religion, family status or disability during viewings. Relevant duties and rights are found in the tenancy provisions and civil procedure rules.[1][2]
How to Spot Discrimination
- Record the date, time and names of contacts at each viewing.
- Photograph or save listings, emails and messages as evidence.
- Request written rejections or explanations if a flat is refused to you.
- Secure witness statements in writing if third parties observed the situation.
How to Have Discrimination Corrected
Act systematically: collect evidence, send a formal complaint to the landlord, and use official complaint channels such as the online complaint form of the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency.[3] If deadlines or demands to the landlord are necessary, formulate the request clearly and set a reasonable deadline.
- Use the official complaint form of the Anti-Discrimination Agency for a formal report.
- Set deadlines (e.g. 14 days) for responses to clarify or retract discriminatory statements.
- Prepare an evidence folder with photos, messages and witness statements for possible court cases.
- Contact advisory services or the Anti-Discrimination Agency for support and template review.
Forms and Templates
Key official sources:
- Complaint form of the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency (online form) for reports of discriminatory treatment.[3]
- For court enforcement, follow the rules of the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) for the complaint and filing at the local court.[2]
- Legal bases on landlord duties and tenant rights are set out in the BGB (e.g. landlord obligations, rent reduction).[1]
FAQ
- Can I stop an apartment viewing because of discrimination?
- You can end the conversation and document the situation; if you suspect discrimination, secure evidence and consider contacting the Anti-Discrimination Agency.[3]
- What deadlines apply for complaints or claims?
- There are no uniform deadlines for out-of-court complaints; court claims follow the ZPO and limitation rules; act early.
- Are there official forms for tenants?
- The most important official form for discrimination complaints is the Anti-Discrimination Agency's form; for lawsuits use the complaint document under the ZPO at the local court.[2]
How-To
- Step 1: Document immediately — record date, time, names and the conversation.
- Step 2: Collect evidence — secure listings, messages, photos and witness statements.
- Step 3: Send a formal complaint by email/letter to the landlord and set a deadline.
- Step 4: If no response, submit a complaint to the Anti-Discrimination Agency and seek advice.[3]
- Step 5: If necessary, file a claim at the local court (observe ZPO) or obtain legal help.[2]
Key Takeaways
- Documentation is the cornerstone of any complaint or lawsuit.
- Seek official advice early from government agencies or legal aid.
Help and Support / Resources
- Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency (complaint office)
- German Civil Code (BGB) — Gesetze im Internet
- Justice Portal Germany (courts information)
