Shared Flat in Germany: Tenant Rights & Rules
As a tenant in Germany who organizes a shared flat (WG) in a dormitory or lives in a family-oriented shared housing, you need clear rules to avoid conflicts and secure rights. This guide explains in plain language the duties of landlords and tenants, how to design house rules for families, and which steps are sensible for defects, noise or termination. The text also shows how to document defects, meet deadlines and use official forms, for example a termination letter template from the Federal Ministry of Justice.
Organizing a shared flat and rights
For a WG in a dormitory: written agreements help. Agree together on quiet hours, cleaning duties and visiting rules. Clarify who pays which costs for operating expenses or repairs and record agreements in a simple house rule document.
Practical rules for a WG house rule
- Report defects and meet deadlines so claims do not lapse.
- Security deposit: clarify procedure and repayment and collect receipts.
- Define quiet hours, assign cleaning and regulate common areas.
- Announce landlord access and protect privacy.
- For escalating conflicts: prepare documentation and consider court action at the local court.[2]
Forms and legal basis
Key legal provisions are found in the BGB, especially regarding landlord duties and rent reduction.[1] For formal steps such as termination, you can use a sample termination letter that is explained officially.[3] Use forms only together with written documentation of the situation and deadline settings.
FAQ
- Who decides tenancy disputes in the dormitory?
- In most cases, the local district court (Amtsgericht) is responsible; larger cases can proceed to the regional court or the Federal Court of Justice (BGH).[2]
- How do I report defects correctly?
- Describe the defect in writing, set a reasonable deadline for remedy and document photos and communication.
- When is a rent reduction possible?
- A rent reduction is possible if usability is permanently impaired; amount and duration depend on the individual case and §§ 535–580a BGB.[1]
How-To
- Collect rules: write down all important points for the house rule.
- Agree: discuss the rules with all roommates and the landlord.
- Record in writing: create a short document signed by all parties.
- In conflict: document defects, send a deadline notice by registered mail and consider the local court.[2]
Help and Support / Resources
- Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – Gesetze im Internet
- Information on local courts and jurisdiction (justiz.de)
- Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – Case law
