Rights & duties

Energieausweis (energy certificate) when renting out in Germany: when it is mandatory, which type, presenting it at viewings and handover (§ 80 GEG), plus the fine.

Noise and Ruhestörung in a rental: Ruhezeiten, noise as a defect (§ 536 BGB), the Hausordnung, Abmahnung and Kündigung under § 569 Abs. 2 BGB. How landlords act on solid legal ground in 2026.

Mietrückstand and Zahlungsverzug: when a tenant is in default, how to issue a Mahnung, calculate Verzugszinsen, and when § 543 BGB allows immediate termination.

Got a Mängelanzeige? What obligates landlords to repair, what deadline applies, and when Mietminderung or Selbstvornahme kick in – §§ 535, 536, 536a, 536c BGB.

Landlords have no general right of access. When you may enter the flat, what advance notice (Ankündigungsfrist) applies, and when unannounced entry becomes a criminal offence – explained clearly.

Energieausweis when renting: the landlord must show it to you unprompted (§ 80 GEG). What your rights as a tenant are, explained in plain English.

Ruhestörung (noise disturbance) in a German rental 2026: quiet hours, when noise is a defect, how much Mietminderung is allowed, and when a tenant can be evicted.

Landlord won't repair? How to report a Mangel correctly, set a deadline and reduce the rent (§ 536, § 536c BGB) — with a template and reduction rates.

Mietminderung for mould, no heating or noise: how much you may reduce, how to report the defect, and why to keep paying under Vorbehalt. Clearly explained for tenants.

Schimmel (mould) is a Mangel: you may reduce the rent (§ 536 BGB) unless you caused it. Report it in writing at once (Mängelanzeige, § 536c BGB) and document everything.

Schönheitsreparaturen on move-out: only a valid clause in your Mietvertrag obliges you. Many are void under BGH case law – then you paint nothing.

Can your landlord enter your apartment in Germany? Your rights as a tenant: no general right of access, only with a concrete reason and advance notice.