279. In most apartment buildings in Germany there is a 'Hausordnung' (house rules). What is contained in such a 'Hausordnung'? It specifies …

Answer options

1. Rules for the use of public transport.
2. all tenants in the building.
3. rules that all residents must comply with.
4. the address of the nearest public order authority (Ordnungsamt).

Explanation

The 'Hausordnung' is a private-law instrument of communal order, typically incorporated into the lease as standard terms and thus subject to the German law on general terms and conditions (BGB §§ 305–307). It specifies the contractual use of the premises (§ 535 BGB) by setting rules on quiet hours, cleaning, waste disposal, and use of common areas, but may not contravene mandatory law or the anti-discrimination provisions of the AGG. Fundamental rights operate indirectly: the landlord’s property and house right (Art. 14 Basic Law) must be balanced against tenants’ possessory and usage rights, so only proportionate, transparent conduct rules are permissible. Historically, such rules emerged with 19th-century urbanization and aim to preserve neighborly peace ('Hausfrieden') distinct from public-order enforcement by authorities.