Visitor Rights in Dorms: Tenants' Rights in Germany

What is visitor rights in dorms?

Many tenants in dorms wonder which rules apply to visitors and how to keep fairness without disputes. This section explains in clear language what visitor rights mean in practice, which duties landlords and residents have and which deadlines and forms are important in Germany. Legal questions often involve tenancy law provisions, for example the rules in the BGB on landlord duties and tenant rights.^[1]

Key rules

In everyday life clear rules help: agree visiting times, protect private areas and set limits on how long guests may stay. Record agreements in writing where possible to avoid misunderstandings.

• Observe deadlines: Agree visiting times and record them in writing.
• Privacy: Private rooms are off-limits and need protection from unauthorized entry.
• Use templates: Send a written template for visitor rules to the landlord.
• Collect evidence: Note date and time and take photos when disturbances occur.

Forms & templates

Certain forms and templates are useful: from BMJ sample termination letters to applications for subsidized housing. Billing issues can also be relevant (BetrKV, HeizKV).^[5]

• Termination letter (BMJ sample): When to use? For vacating the apartment; example: Tenant A uses the BMJ sample to give notice on time and include evidence.^[4]
• Application for Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS): When to use? For entitlement to subsidized housing; example: Resident B applies to the city administration for a WBS to move into social housing.

Conflict resolution and courts

If talks fail, document incidents, set a reasonable deadline for remedy and inform in writing. Court procedures follow the rules of the ZPO, and tenancy disputes are first heard at the competent local court (Amtsgericht).^[2][3]

• Initial conversation: Contact the landlord and document the outcome.
• Set a deadline: Request remedy of the defect or disturbance within clear time limits.
• Last step court: File a lawsuit at the local court if necessary.^[3]

FAQ

Can the landlord generally ban visitors?

A general ban is usually not permissible unless there are concrete security or regulatory reasons.

May I have overnight guests?

Short-term overnight stays are usually allowed; permanent subletting or third-party use requires the landlord's consent.

What should I do about recurring disturbances from visitors?

Document incidents, inform the landlord in writing and set a clear deadline for remedy.

How-To

1. Set deadlines: Formulate clear deadlines for remedy.
2. Use templates: Use sample letters for correspondence with the landlord or administration.
3. Secure evidence: Collect photos, witness statements and date/time stamps of incidents.
4. Seek contact: Report the problem first in person and in writing to the landlord and administration.
5. Turn to court: File a lawsuit at the local court if out-of-court steps fail.^[3]

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB – Gesetze im Internet
• Federal Ministry of Justice (BMJ)
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH)

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet: Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet: Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
3. [3] Justiz: Amtsgericht (lokales Gericht)
4. [4] Bundesministerium der Justiz: Musterformulare und Hinweise
5. [5] Gesetze im Internet: Heizkostenverordnung (HeizKV)