Bicycle Theft: Tenant Rights in Germany

A bicycle theft is not only annoying for many tenants in Germany but can also create financial shortfalls. This guide explains clearly which rights and obligations tenants have, when household or liability insurance may pay, how to file a police report correctly and which evidence is important. With practical examples we show how photos, purchase receipts and witness statements help to assert a claim. We also explain forms, deadlines and the process for filing a claim with insurers as well as possible steps against the landlord. The information is practical and tailored to tenants in Germany.

What tenants should do now

First secure evidence: photos of the scene, broken locks, damaged bicycle parts and serial numbers. Note date, time and possible witnesses. This documentation forms the basis for a police report and an insurance claim and helps to classify the damage under § 535 et seq. of the BGB.^[1]

File a report with the police as soon as possible and request a report number. Ask for a confirmation of the report for your records. Keep copies of all documents and the report number for the insurance claim.

Contact your household or liability insurance and ask about the exact procedure for bicycle theft. Some household policies only pay for theft from inside the home or if a certified lock was used. Read the policy carefully and note deadlines for reporting.

FAQ

Does household insurance pay for bicycle theft outside the home?

That depends on the contract. Standard household insurances often cover theft in the home and in locked rooms; coverage for bicycle theft outside the home is often limited or only included with additional protection. Check your insurance terms or ask your insurer.

Do I have to inform my landlord about the theft?

There is not always a general obligation to notify the landlord. However, inform the landlord if communal areas are affected (e.g., bicycle cellar) or if there is a security defect in the building that the landlord must fix.

What deadlines apply for reporting a claim to the insurer?

Insurers usually require prompt notification. Many policies state "as soon as possible" or specify a number of days in their terms. Submit the police report and all documents as soon as possible to avoid benefit exclusions.

How-To

1. Secure photos and receipts (photo): Photograph the scene, damages, lock and serial numbers immediately and store the files securely.
2. File a police report (file): File an official report and note the report number for the insurer.
3. Submit a claim to your insurer (form): Send the report, purchase receipts and photos to your household or liability insurer and ask for a form or sample text.
4. Keep receipts and note deadlines (deadline): Keep receipts, emails and correspondence and record deadlines and contacts.
5. Consider legal steps if contested (court): If claims cannot be settled out of court, the local Amtsgericht has jurisdiction and civil procedure follows the ZPO.^[2][3]

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet – BGB (Tenancy law)
• Gesetze im Internet – ZPO
• Federal Court of Justice – Information on judiciary

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet – BGB
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet – ZPO
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof – Informationen zur Gerichtsbarkeit