Basement Fire Safety Checklist for Renters in Germany

Many tenants in Germany are unsure which fire-safety measures are required in the basement and who is responsible for defects. This guide explains in plain language what to check when inspecting the basement: escape routes, fire loads, smoke detectors, electrical installations and damaged doors or fire barriers. I describe concrete steps for documenting problems, notifying the landlord and which deadlines and forms may be important. If necessary, you will find notes on court procedures and the competent authorities. The checklist is designed so you can quickly set priorities and reduce immediate risks without legal jargon. At the end you will find FAQs, concrete action steps and links to official tenant forms.

What tenants should check

• Keep escape routes in the basement clear and do not block accesses.
• Check smoke detectors and fire alarm systems for proper function.
• Inspect electrical installations, sockets and visible cables for damage.
• Avoid storing flammable materials (boxes, paints, oils) or store them more securely.
• Check fire barriers and fire doors for damage or open passages.
• Check accessibility to fire extinguishers, hydrants and riser pipes.

Documentation and reporting obligations

Good documentation protects your rights. Keep photos, date, time and witnesses. Send defect reports in writing if possible and request confirmation from the landlord.

• Take photos, videos and a short list of identified defects.
• Send a written defect notice to the landlord and prove delivery (registered mail or e-mail with read receipt).
• Set a reasonable deadline for remedy (e.g., 14 days) and name the deadline in the letter.
• Check whether a rent reduction is possible and how high it might be.
• If the landlord does not react, judicial steps can be considered; procedural rules of the ZPO apply.^[2]

FAQ

Who pays for basement fire-safety defects?

Generally, the landlord is responsible for maintenance and proper fire protection, in particular under the provisions of the BGB (§§ 535 ff.).^[1]

Can I reduce my rent because of basement fire-safety defects?

Under certain conditions a rent reduction is possible if the usability of the rental unit is impaired; the legal basis is found in the BGB.^[1]

Who do I contact in case of immediate fire danger in the basement?

In case of immediate danger, call the fire department at 112 and inform the landlord; for tenancy disputes the local court (Amtsgericht) is usually competent.

How-To

1. In case of immediate danger, call the fire department at 112 and warn people at risk.
2. Take photos and videos of the defects and note date and location.
3. Send a written defect notice to the landlord and set a reasonable deadline.
4. If the landlord does not respond, document the deadline expiry and consider rent reduction or legal advice.
5. If no agreement can be reached, consider filing a claim at the competent local court.

Key takeaways

• The landlord is usually responsible for functioning fire safety and must remedy defects.
• Careful documentation improves chances in claims or court proceedings.
• In an emergency always call the fire department at 112 immediately.

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – provisions on tenancy and duties
• Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) – procedural rules for legal actions
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – case law and decisions

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1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – §§ 535–580a
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – case law