Fire Safety in Basements: Guide for Tenants in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, safe use of basement spaces is important because fire hazards are often underestimated. This text explains how tenants and landlords can prevent risks in old-building basements, what duties exist under tenancy law, and how you should document and report defects. You will get practical checklists, notes on fire safety rules, and information on when legal steps are possible for persistent defects. The language stays clear and is aimed at tenants without legal background so you can implement protective measures and assert your rights against the landlord. We describe which installations should be checked, how to read fire-safety requirements in old buildings and the role of smoke detectors, electrical panels and storage of flammable materials. I also show how to report defects in writing, observe deadlines and, if necessary, contact the local court.

Why basement fire safety matters

Basement rooms in older buildings often contain outdated electrical systems, improperly stored materials or unsuitable wooden pallets. Carelessly stored boxes, bicycle batteries or defective electrical devices increase the risk. Landlords must not only enable use but also ensure that the basement meets basic safety requirements. This follows from the landlord's duties under tenancy law.^[1]

Landlord and tenant obligations

Understanding responsibilities helps reduce risks: landlords are responsible for building safety and electrical installations, tenants must handle storage and devices carefully. Clear communication and written reports help avoid disputes.

• Landlord: Ensure regular inspection and repair of old electrical systems (repair).
• Tenant: Do not store flammable materials openly; use safe storage and labeling (safety).
• Formal defect notice: Report defects in writing and set deadlines (notice).
• Documentation: Take photos, note dates and witness statements (document).

Immediate actions for fire or smoke

If smoke or open fire occurs, first bring people to safety, call the fire brigade and inform the landlord. Only attempt interventions if there is no risk to life or health.

• Call 112 immediately and inform the fire department.
• Evacuate all people and go to a safe assembly point (move-out).
• Close the door to the room on fire to slow spread.
• Document damage and note any witnesses after the incident (document).

Practical checklist for tenants

• Take photos of storage and electrical panels (document).
• Send a defect notice to the landlord and set a deadline, e.g. 14 days (repair).
• Keep confirmations and the landlord's replies (notice).

FAQ

Who is responsible for basement fire safety?

Generally the landlord is responsible for the building fabric and safe electrical installations; tenants must nevertheless handle stored items responsibly and report defects.

Can I reduce rent because of missing fire safety?

If the basement is unusable or dangerous due to missing fire safety, a rent reduction may be possible; inform the landlord in writing and document the defect.

How do I report defects officially?

Report defects in writing by email or letter to the landlord, set a deadline and attach documentation; if there is no response, legal steps at the local court may follow.

How-To

1. Document the defect with photos, dates and descriptions (document).
2. Send a formal defect notice to the landlord and set a deadline (file).
3. If there is no reaction: seek advice and consider a claim at the local court (court).
4. In emergencies always contact the fire brigade and emergency services (call).

Help and Support / Resources

• Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection
• Laws in the Internet (BGB, ZPO)
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — case law

1. [1] BGB § 535 — Landlord obligations (gesetze-im-internet.de)
2. [2] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) — procedural rules (gesetze-im-internet.de)
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — decisions on tenancy matters (bundesgerichtshof.de)