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Internet promised in rental contract but doesn't work. What can I do?
I have had many back and forths with my landlord who promises internet from Vodafone in my contract, the problem is the internet can die every 10 minutes making it very unusable. They say they hav… Hi
I have had many back and forths with my landlord who promises internet from Vodafone in my contract, the problem is the internet can die every 10 minutes making it very unusable. They say they have been in extensive talks with Vodafone and they potentially know the problem but it has been months and I still have issues. They say there is no timely solution and told me not to make complaints to Vodafone as they are aware of the issues in the building.
What can I do? It's hard because I do not speak German and am not familair with the law so I don't know what I can threaten. My job and general livelihood relies heavily on internet so I'm at a loss. I have communicated this to them many times.
I want to ask for a rental reductiom but dont know how much I can ask for, I'd even consider moving if it was possible
Does anyone know what I can do?
Thank you
the mietminderung is your strongest move, and you don't need a lawyer to start it. just write a formal letter (in german, but deepl or a friend can help) stating the issue, the date it started, and that you're reducing rent by 15% until it's fixed. put it in writing, keep a copy. they have to respond or they're accepting the reduction by default after a few months
also, if you're in a newer building near alexanderplatz or mitte, the wiring might be the issue - old coax in the walls that can't handle modern speeds. that's the landlord's problem to fix, not vodafone's. a lot of these post-2000 buildings have cheap internal cabling that falls apart
for immediate work, get a prepaid sim with unlimited data from congstar or fraenk for like 25 euro a month, no contract. use your phone as a hotspot. it's not ideal but it keeps you online while you fight this. then deduct that cost from the rent too
yeah so the thing is, if internet is in your rental contract as a service the landlord has to provide, they're failing at that. you can absolutely push for a rent reduction (Mietminderung) and honestly 10-20% is not crazy for something that cuts out every 10 minutes. join the Berliner Mieterverein or similar tenant association, they'll handle the legal letter for like 60 euros a year and it's way easier than trying to navigate this solo in german
also don't let them tell you not to contact Vodafone. that's their convenience talking, not your problem. you're the one paying for it indirectly through rent, you have every right to file a Störungsmeldung yourself. if the line is actually broken and not a building wiring issue, Vodafone will send a tech and the landlord can't stop that
if you're really stuck and need internet for work, consider getting your own 5G router from O2 or Telekom as a backup. it's like 30-40 a month and you can cancel anytime. then invoice the landlord for the cost as part of your Mietminderung argument, because you're having to pay for a service they promised to provide
Honestly, the easiest first step is to just call Vodafone yourself and report the fault as a tenant. You don't need the landlord's permission for that, and they can't stop you. If the building wiring is actually the problem, the technician will see it and note it, which gives you solid proof for the rent reduction letter.
Where to Stay in Berlin (2026)
Mitte is Berlin's historic and tourist-friendly heart, packed with landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate and Museum Island. Expect higher prices, with mid-range hotels aver… 🏙️ Mitte for First-Timers
Mitte is Berlin's historic and tourist-friendly heart, packed with landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate and Museum Island. Expect higher prices, with mid-range hotels averaging 150-250 euros per night. It's ideal for sightseers who want to walk to major attractions.
🍻 Kreuzberg for Nightlife
Kreuzberg is the epicenter of Berlin's alternative scene, with countless bars, clubs, and street food markets. Hostels and budget hotels start around 40-80 euros per night, while boutique options run 100-180 euros. It's perfect for partygoers and those who love a gritty, creative vibe.
🌳 Prenzlauer Berg for Families
Prenzlauer Berg offers leafy streets, playgrounds, and a relaxed atmosphere centered around Mauerpark and Kulturbrauerei. Family-friendly apartments and hotels cost 120-200 euros per night. It's a top choice for travelers with kids who want quiet evenings and good cafes.
💻 Friedrichshain for Digital Nomads
Friedrichshain combines coworking spaces like Betahaus with a lively social scene along Warschauer Strasse. Monthly apartment rentals for nomads range from 800 to 1,500 euros. The area offers fast internet and easy access to the S-Bahn and U-Bahn.
💰 Neukölln for Budget Travelers
Neukölln is a multicultural, up-and-coming district with affordable hostels from 25 euros per night and cheap street food along Weserstrasse. It's less polished than Mitte but full of character and local life. Budget-conscious travelers will find great value here.
🚇 Getting Around Berlin
Berlin's public transit (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, buses) is efficient and covers all neighborhoods. A single ticket costs 3.50 euros, while a day pass is 9.90 euros. Most areas are well-connected, so you can stay slightly outside the center and still explore easily.
🏠 Hidden Gem: Schöneberg
Schöneberg offers a quieter, residential feel with charming streets and the famous Winterfeldtplatz market. Hotels here are often 20-30% cheaper than in Mitte, averaging 90-130 euros per night. It's great for travelers who want local vibes without the tourist crowds.
The guide gets Prenzlauer Berg right for families but doesn't mention how good it is for solo travelers who want quiet. I stayed near Helmholtzplatz for a week and loved having the U2 line right there, it's about 12 minutes to Alexanderplatz. The Saturday flea market at Mauerpark gets packed but the food stalls are worth fighting through the crowd, especially the Turkish gozleme stand near the back. Just know that finding a grocery store open past 8pm in Prenzlauer Berg can be a hassle, so stock up early.
I stayed in Schöneberg on my last visit and it was the right call. The morning market at Winterfeldtplatz on Saturdays is worth planning around. You can grab fresh produce and a crepe for breakfast, then walk to U-Bahn Nollendorfplatz in about five minutes. Mitte is only ten minutes by train but the neighborhood feels genuinely local.
solid breakdown, i'd add that the Schöneberg mention is spot-on but the guide leaves out how good the U1 line is for getting around. from Nollendorfplatz you're at Warschauer Strasse in like 10 minutes and Kottbusser Tor in maybe 6, so you can hit both Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain without a transfer. my partner and i stayed near Akazienstrasse last year and paid 95 a night for a quiet room with a balcony, way better value than anything in Mitte. the Akazienstrasse itself has a couple of great italian delis and a small cinema that shows english-language films, worth a lazy afternoon