Searching for housing is difficult enough. Discrimination makes it even harder. Many people report being rejected because they have an international name or a large family. This is not allowed.
Which Rights Do I Have in the Housing Market?
- Grundgesetz (Basic Law), Article 3: All people are equal before the law.
- Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz (AGG) (General Equal Treatment Act): Prohibits discrimination in matters related to housing
- BGB (Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch) (German Civil Code): Regulates rental agreements and protects against rejection without reason
Which Examples of Discrimination Are There?
- No response to housing inquiries because of an international name
- Rejection of families with children
- Less favorable rental conditions for certain groups
For more examples, see fairmieten-fairwohnen
Wo bekomme ich Hilfe bei Diskriminierung?
Bei der Landesstelle für Gleichbehandlung – gegen Diskriminierung findest du die richtige Beratungsstelle.
What Can I Do If I Experience Discrimination in the Housing Market?
If you need support, contact a counseling center or a lawyer. You can take the following steps:
- Collect information: Record the incident as precisely as possible (date, location, people involved, and what happened) and keep any evidence (for example: messages, photos, witnesses)
- Contact a counseling center: Find a suitable counseling center (for example: anti-discrimination counseling) and arrange an appointment — often by phone, email, or online
- Use an initial counseling: During a first conversation, you will receive an assessment of your situation and information about your rights and options
- Clarify further steps: Together, you can decide whether you would like to file a complaint , seek mediation, or take legal action
- Seek legal support: If necessary, a lawyer can help you enforce your rights and claims.
Locations in this map
Fair mieten – Fair wohnen
Show on mapThe Berlin office against discrimination on the housing market advises and accompanies people free of charge who are discriminated against on the basis of (ascribed) origin, language, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age or social status.
- Writing letters of complaint,
- referral to further support services
- Accompaniment to talks
- assistance in court.
Consultation by appointment via contact form on our website or telephone
Oranienstraße 53
10969 Berlin
Germany
[DeepL:] By appointment
