Fire Safety Checklist for Tenants in Germany (Basement)
As a tenant in Germany, you should understand how fire safety in basements works and how drills in high-rise buildings can increase your safety. This checklist explains concrete measures, common hazards, responsible authorities and simple emergency steps so you can act safely in an emergency. The language is plain, with clear action steps and examples for everyday living, so you can more easily understand rights and duties and clarify them with your landlord or property manager.
Why basement fire safety matters
Basements often contain stored items, power distributions and heating systems; fires more often start here due to electrical faults or flammable materials. As a tenant you have duties to cooperate and pass on information; the landlord is responsible for maintenance. Legal questions are governed by the Civil Code.[1]
Checklist: Basement fire safety
- Keep escape routes clear and ensure emergency exits are accessible.
- Do not store flammable liquids openly; report hazardous materials.
- Do not overload electrical systems and report visible damage to the landlord.
- Check smoke detectors and fire extinguishers or ask the property manager to inspect them.
- Keep order: do not store boxes in front of doors or stair treads.
What to consider during high-rise drills
Fire drills in high-rises train evacuation, assembly points and communication. Participate, know at least two escape routes and clarify with the property manager how persons with limited mobility will be assisted. Disputes over obligations may be handled in the local court.[2]
Important forms and reports
- Form (form) for damage notification to the property manager – use the internal report form or a simple written letter when electrical installation faults occur.
- Form (form) for official notification to fire department/municipal authority – in acute danger call 112 first, then report damage in writing to responsible authorities.
- Claim form (form) for eviction claims or legal claims – if deadlines are missed or obligations violated, file a claim at the local court.[3]
How-to
- Clear out basement and storage rooms of openly stored flammable materials and remove them.
- Document defects with date and photos and send a written defect notice to the property manager (registered mail optional).
- Participate in fire drills and clarify meeting points and evacuation routes.
- In case of danger call 112; afterwards inform the landlord and, if necessary, the municipal authority in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can my landlord lock the basement or restrict access?
- The landlord can take justified safety measures but must not unreasonably restrict access for use and must provide alternative storage if access is removed.
- Who is liable if a basement fire is caused by stored items?
- Liability depends on cause and care; gross negligence by a tenant can lead to liability, while maintenance duties lie with the landlord.[1]
- What if the property manager does not respond?
- Document deadlines and defects, set a reasonable deadline and consider legal steps, if necessary with support from the local court.[2]
Key takeaways
- Clearly documented defect reports protect your rights.
- Regular drills and kept-clear escape routes reduce risk in an emergency.
Help and Support / Resources
- Read the German Civil Code (BGB)
- Civil Procedure Code (ZPO) – proceedings and claims
- Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – case law and guidance
