Basement Fire Safety: Tenant Duties in Germany
As a tenant in Germany you should take basement fire safety seriously: many cellar compartments are part of your rented space or used jointly, and fire hazards can quickly cause property and health damage. This article explains in practical terms which obligations tenants and landlords have, which technical measures make sense and which behavioral rules help to avoid risks. You will find an easy-to-use checklist for regular checks, guidance on official forms and which authorities are responsible in disputes. We name relevant sections of the BGB, link to official authorities and explain how to report defects and observe deadlines without assuming legal expertise. At the end there is a clear checklist you can print or save digitally.
Overview: Why basement fire safety matters
Basements are often storage sites for bicycles, tires, old furniture or heating equipment. Improper storage of combustible materials, defective electrical devices or untested heating lines increase the risk. In addition to personal precautions, there are legal duties derived from the rental agreement, the BGB and building regulations.[1]
Who is responsible?
- Landlord: structural measures, fire doors, smoke detector maintenance and technical inspections (maintenance, repair).
- Tenant: safe storage, no blocked escape routes, do not remove fire protection equipment (heating, repair).
- Community rules: house rules and written agreements regulate permitted items and usage times (notice, form).
Concrete measures and checklist
The following checklist helps you perform a quick safety check in the cellar. Check regularly, at least once a year, and immediately after moving or major purchases.
- Check condition: reduce fire loads, do not store waste oil or solvents (evidence, record).
- Electrical devices: remove defective cables or chargers, do not overload sockets (repair, maintenance).
- Escape routes: keep doors clear, do not store items in front of fire doors (entry, inspect).
- Smoke and fire detectors: check whether present and functional; inform landlord if missing (safety, violation).
- Emergency contacts: note down fire department 112, the property manager and insurance numbers (call, contact).
What to do if you find defects or fire hazards?
If you discover a defect or an imminent danger, inform the landlord immediately in writing (email or letter) and set a reasonable deadline for remediation. Keep photos, dates and witnesses as evidence. If the danger is immediate, call the fire department without delay.
Legal bases and responsible authorities
The most important legal bases are found in the BGB (landlord and tenant obligations regarding the condition of the rental property) and procedural rules for enforcement (ZPO). In disputes, the local court (Amtsgericht) is usually responsible; higher instances are the regional court or the Federal Court of Justice (BGH).[1][2]
FAQ
- Who must carry out fire protection measures in the cellar?
- In general, the landlord is responsible for structural measures and providing safe facilities; tenants must ensure safe use and follow instructions.
- What items may I store in the cellar?
- Hazardous materials such as solvents, large quantities of oil or gas bottles should not be stored in the tenant cellar; everyday items are permitted in moderation as long as escape routes are not blocked.
- How do I report a defect formally?
- Write a defect notice by email or post, describe the damage/condition, attach photos and set a deadline for remediation.
How-To
- Collect evidence: take photos, note the time and name witnesses (evidence).
- Write a defect notice: inform the landlord by email/letter and set a deadline (notice, form).
- In case of immediate danger: call fire department 112 and contact the property manager immediately (call).
- If there is no response: seek legal advice and consider filing a claim at the local court (court).
