A Code of Conduct for Shared Living #

At KUMMUNI, every apartment is more than a place to stay—it is a space to belong. Tenants from all backgrounds, nationalities, and cultures live side by side in a shared environment built on mutual respect, inclusion, and fairness. These Community Guidelines represent a Code of Conduct that all tenants are expected to follow in order to protect the quality of life, dignity, and neutrality of our shared homes.

KUMMUNI tenants agree to uphold these principles from the moment they receive keys to their apartment until the end of their tenancy.

1. Respect for Diversity and Peaceful Coexistence #

1.1. No Political or Historical Conflicts #

Tenants must not engage in political, religious, or historical arguments, regardless of personal views. This includes verbal debates, flags, posters, and provocative behavior. Tenants from countries with current or past conflicts—including, for example, Russia and Ukraine—live peacefully in KUMMUNI homes. This standard of neutrality and peaceful coexistence is non-negotiable.

1.2. Zero Discrimination #

Any form of discrimination based on race, nationality, gender, religion, disability, or personal lifestyle is strictly prohibited. Disrespectful or exclusionary behavior toward other tenants or neighbors will result in warnings and may lead to lease termination.

2. Quiet Living and Respect for Noise Regulations #

2.1. Observe German Quiet Hours #

All tenants are required to follow Ruhezeiten (quiet hours) as mandated by German law:

• 13:00 to 15:00 daily
• 22:00 to 07:00 daily

During these hours, loud music, phone calls, door slamming, or gatherings are not permitted. Noise levels must be kept low even outside these hours if it interferes with another tenant’s work, study, or rest.

2.2. No Noise in Hallways or Staircases #

Speaking loudly, making phone calls, or playing music in public building areas such as corridors or staircases is not permitted. These are shared spaces and must remain quiet at all times.

2.3. Noise Complaints #

If KUMMUNI receives a valid complaint from neighbors or property managers, the entire apartment may be warned. Continued violations may result in lease non-renewal or termination.

3. Use of Shared Property and Common Areas #

3.1. No Exclusive Ownership of Shared Areas #

Unless specifically allocated by KUMMUNI in writing, no tenant has the right to claim exclusive use of any shared space or item. For example, a shared bathroom cannot be reserved for personal use unless it was designated by KUMMUNI.

3.2. Respect Common Property #

Furniture, kitchen appliances, and shared equipment must be treated with care. Tenants are responsible for damages they cause. In shared apartments, if no one claims responsibility, KUMMUNI reserves the right to divide the repair cost among all occupants.

4. Guest and Visitor Conduct #

4.1. Guest Approval Required #

All guests must be approved by both housemates and KUMMUNI. Tenants must submit a request prior to hosting. Unauthorized overnight stays are strictly prohibited.

4.2. Tenant Responsibility for Guests #

Tenants are fully responsible for their guests’ behavior. This includes cleanliness, noise control, and following all building rules. Utility use is monitored, and unauthorized stays will be flagged.

5. Cleanliness and Hygiene #

5.1. Weekly Cleaning Required #

All tenants must participate in regular cleaning of shared areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways. These spaces must be cleaned at least once per week. Surfaces such as stoves, ovens, and sinks must be kept in sanitary condition.

5.2. Proper Waste Disposal #

Household waste, cardboard, and recyclables must be disposed of in the correct bins provided by the building or city authorities. Do not leave trash in staircases or outside apartment doors.

6. Ventilation, Heating, and Mold Prevention #

6.1. Smart Ventilation Required #

Tenants must ventilate their rooms and bathrooms daily by turning off the heater before opening windows. Heating while windows are open is prohibited, as it increases utility costs and causes mold.

6.2. Bathroom Drying #

After showering, tenants must wipe off water from walls and tiles to prevent mold growth. The bathroom should be kept dry and ventilated after use.

7. Smoking, Candles, and Fire Safety #

7.1. No Smoking Indoors #

Smoking is only allowed in designated smoking lounges, where windows must be kept open and doors closed during smoking. Smoking in any other area is prohibited.

7.2. No Candles or Open Flames #

Lighting candles or using open flames inside apartments or building common areas is forbidden for fire safety reasons.

8. Personal Property and Name Tags #

8.1. No Unauthorized Labels #

Only the names of official KUMMUNI tenants may appear on mailboxes, intercom systems, or apartment doorbells. Name tags for guests or past tenants will be removed.

9. Financial Fairness in Shared Responsibilities #

9.1. Radio Tax (Rundfunkbeitrag) #

One tenant per apartment must register and pay the Radio Tax. Other tenants must contribute their share fairly, based on move-in date and length of stay. The entire process should be managed via the myKUMMUNI app, which allows official notification and transparency.

9.2. Payment Refusal #

If a tenant refuses to pay their share, KUMMUNI does not act as a financial mediator but may record the behavior and intervene legally if necessary. We expect fairness among tenants in all shared financial matters.

10. Reporting Problems and Using myKUMMUNI #

10.1. Report Issues via App #

Tenants can report concerns, damages, or housemate-related issues through the myKUMMUNI app. These reports are reviewed by our community support team in line with German law and KUMMUNI standards.

10.2. Communication First, Ticket Second #

We strongly encourage tenants to resolve issues among themselves before creating a support ticket. Formal reports should be used only when communication has failed.

11. Safety, Building Etiquette, and Rules of Conduct #

• Always keep the main building entrance door closed—never prop it open
• Do not park bicycles in non-designated areas such as staircases or hallways
• Do not heat apartments with windows open
• No pets are allowed in KUMMUNI apartments
• Tenants may not alter apartment layout or move furniture without permission
• All damages must be reported immediately via the app

12. Consequences of Violating the Guideline #

Failure to follow these guidelines may result in:

• Formal written warnings
• Lease non-renewal
• Early termination of lease in severe or repeated cases
• Financial penalties for damages or contract violations

13. Our Shared Commitment #

KUMMUNI exists to offer fair, inclusive, and dignified housing for people from all walks of life. As a tenant, you are part of that mission. By following this guideline, you contribute to a peaceful, respectful, and thriving community where everyone has the chance to feel at home.