Assessing Parquet Damage: Tenants in Germany
As a tenant in Germany, you should check the handover protocol carefully when moving out, especially for parquet floors. Small scratches, dents or moisture damage are often misclassified, which can lead to unjustified claims or disputes with the landlord. In this article we explain in plain language how to correctly identify parquet damage, document it photographically and assess it appropriately. You will receive practical checklists, guidance on distinguishing normal wear from significant damage, and advice on involving expert reports and legal foundations. By the end you will know what evidence is needed, which deadlines apply and how to proceed in disputes before court or at the local court in Germany. We also show which official forms and proofs are important.
What counts as parquet damage?
Not every stain or scratch is a billable damage. What matters is depth, area, cause and whether replacement or professional repair is necessary.
- Scratches from furniture (repair)
- Pressure marks or dents (repair)
- Moisture damage or swelling (repair)
- Large discolorations or loose boards (evidence)
How to document and assess?
Evidence preservation
Careful evidence preservation protects you from unjustified claims. Record condition, extent and time of damage in writing and photographically and get confirmations of delivery from the landlord.
- Photos with date and time (evidence)
- Comparative shots of the entire area (evidence)
- Send a written defect notice to the landlord (notice)
- Observe deadlines, e.g. report promptly (deadline)
Distinguishing: wear vs. damage
Assess extent and cause. Legal foundations and case law help with the distinction: §§ 535–580a BGB set out rights and duties[1], Bundesgerichtshof rulings provide interpretation in tenancy law[2] and local courts are often competent for tenancy disputes[3].
- Extent: area and depth of the damage (evidence)
- Cause: third-party fault or normal use (repair)
- Cost estimate: repair vs. replacement (payment)
How-To
- Notify the landlord in writing and request a statement (notice)
- Create a complete photographic record with measurements and dates (evidence)
- Obtain a cost estimate or expert report if the damage appears significant (repair)
- Keep receipts for repairs and invoices ready (payment)
- In case of dispute, consider legal action at the local court or seek legal advice (court)
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is parquet damage considered normal wear?
- Light scratches and superficial wear are usually normal; deep cracks, moisture damage or loose boards are more likely to be damage.
- Do I have to pay for all parquet damage?
- Only if the damage exceeds normal wear and you acted culpably may the landlord claim costs. Check evidence and deadlines.
- What legal basis governs landlord duties and tenant rights?
- The main rules are in the German Civil Code, especially §§ 535–580a.[1]
