Accessible Evacuation Plan: Checklist for Tenants Germany

As a tenant in Germany you should not only know an accessible evacuation plan but also document it. This guide explains how you as a tenant systematically record escape routes, obstacles, personal assistance and deadlines, which photographic evidence and forms are useful and which authorities may be responsible. Practical examples help you communicate with the landlord, report to the property management or in a possible court dispute. We refer to relevant sections of tenancy law and procedural rules, name official forms and show step by step how to secure documents so that they hold up before the local court and higher instances. At the end you will find a short guide for filing documents with the local court and notes on deadlines to observe.

Why documentation matters

A well documented accessible evacuation plan protects your rights as a tenant, facilitates coordination with the landlord and property management and serves as evidence in case of disputes. The landlord's obligation to maintain the rental property and ensure usability is regulated in the BGB^[1]. Procedural rules for lawsuits and evictions are found in the ZPO^[2], so early and structured documentation is helpful for possible court action.

Practical checklist

• Record deadlines (deadline): date of discovery, deadlines for defect notification and deadlines set by the landlord.
• Take photographic documentation (evidence): wide shots of entire escape routes and detail photos of obstacles, always with date stamp or written note.
• Collect forms (form): written defect notices, inquiries to property management and possible template termination letters.
• Describe repair needs (repair): exact description, who was informed and which appointments were arranged.
• Save contacts (call): emergency contacts, carers, property management and the responsible authority.
• Plan official steps (court): when a letter to the local court is necessary and which documents are required.

How-To

1. Document immediately: when you notice an obstacle or lack of accessibility, note date and time (deadline) and take photos.
2. Gather evidence: create a file with photos, emails, letters and witness statements (evidence).
3. Write a defect notice: send an informal, dated defect report (form) to the landlord/property management and keep proof of sending.
4. Set a deadline: ask for remediation within a reasonable period (deadline) and document the response.
5. Seek support: contact advisory services or social services if personal assistance is needed (call).
6. Final step: if the landlord does not respond, file the documents with the local court or seek legal advice (court).^[3]

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is responsible if the evacuation plan is not accessible?

Usually the landlord is responsible; for communal areas the property management may also be accountable. In case of disagreement the local court can decide.

Which forms do I need to report defects?

There are no nationwide mandatory forms, but a written, dated defect notice and evidence (photos, witnesses) are standard practice.

Which deadlines are important?

Set a reasonable deadline for remediation in your defect notice; the duration depends on the defect, document appointments and responses.

Help and Support

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – Gesetze im Internet
• Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) – Gesetze im Internet
• Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) – Decisions

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet – BGB (Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch)
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet – ZPO (Zivilprozessordnung)
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof – Decisions and Guidance