Blanket pet ban in the rental contract – is that valid?
Likely invalid — such a clause does not bind you.
A general pet ban is void (BGH VIII ZR 168/12). Small animals are always permitted.
What you can do next
The general ban on keeping pets is invalid. You may keep small animals in any case.
The law behind it
BGH VIII ZR 168/12 · 2013-03-20
A blanket ban on pet-keeping in rental contracts is void. Small animals are always permitted.
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General information based on German law and court decisions, checked by lawyers — not legal advice for your individual case.