Basement Fire Safety 2025: Tenant Guide Germany

As a tenant in Germany you should know which documents and deadlines are important for basement fire safety and how to report defects correctly. This guide explains which records you should collect, when you must respond in writing and whom to contact — from notifying the landlord to settling matters in court. It describes practical steps for 2025, cites relevant sections of the BGB and shows how to monitor deadlines, secure evidence and contact official bodies. The language is simple, examples help with implementation, and you receive guidance on administrative channels and sample letters so you can assert your rights reliably and on time. If you are unsure, the instructions show which documents are useful for a defect notice and how to document deadlines. At the end you will find FAQs and a step-by-step practical guide.

What tenants need to know

Basement fire safety involves not only technical measures but also proofs, communication and deadlines. In principle, the landlord is responsible for safety and compliance with structural fire protection obligations. As a tenant, you document defects and demand remediation with a written defect notice.^[1]

Important documents

• Written defect notice to the landlord (form) – date, description, location, photos, requested deadline.
• Photos and inventory lists as evidence (evidence) – clearly labeled and dated.
• Building fire safety documents (safety) – escape routes, maintenance plans, fire extinguisher logs if available.
• Record of communications and deadlines (record) – copies of emails, registered mail, appointments.
• Insurance documents (rent) – household or liability policies in case of damage.

Deadlines and steps

• Short-term: Report defects immediately in writing (within 14 days) and set a reasonable remediation deadline.
• After deadline: If the landlord does not react, set an extension and announce possible rent reduction or remediation measures.
• If liability is unclear: gather responsibility information and, if necessary, seek resolution at the local court (court).

Reporting to authorities and courts

If significant safety deficiencies exist, inform the landlord in writing first. If there is no response, you can inform local authorities such as the building authority or the fire department; rental disputes are decided by the local courts.^[2] Procedural steps for lawsuits follow the Civil Procedure Code.^[3]

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is responsible for basement fire safety?

Primarily the landlord; tenants must report defects and observe deadlines.

What is an appropriate deadline for a defect notice?

Promptly; typically report in writing within 14 days and set an extension deadline.

Can I reduce rent because of basement fire safety defects?

Yes, if usability or safety is significantly impaired; keep evidence and deadlines.

How-To

1. Step 1: Collect evidence – photos, witnesses, location description.
2. Step 2: Write a formal defect notice with a deadline (e.g. 14 days).
3. Step 3: Send the notice with proof of delivery (registered mail) and keep copies.
4. Step 4: If there is no response, set an extension and document again.
5. Step 5: For ongoing danger inform fire department or building authority; in legal disputes involve the local court.

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — Gesetze im Internet
• Federal Court of Justice — information on the court system
• Federal Ministry of Justice — forms and services

1. [1] BGB §§535–580a — Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Federal Court of Justice — information on the court system
3. [3] Civil Procedure Code (ZPO) — Gesetze im Internet