Check Emergency Plan at Home for Tenants in Germany
As a tenant in Germany you should regularly check the emergency plan for your apartment in an older building. Many older buildings have different fire protection and escape-route situations than new buildings: narrow stairwells, older electrical systems and missing automatic fire protection features can increase risks. This guide explains which points you can personally check, which obligations landlords have and how to safely document, report and act in an emergency. You will receive practical check steps, notes on reporting deadlines and information about the role of the local court and judiciary in disputes as well as templates for notifications to the landlord.
What belongs in an emergency check in an older building?
Systematically check the most important areas so you are able to act in an emergency and know your rights as a tenant.
- Clear and lit escape routes: check doors, stairwells and windows for obstacles.
- Heating and electrics: visual inspection for visible damage, loose cables or unusual smells.
- Emergency numbers and contacts: note emergency contacts, property manager and neighbors.
- Record inspection intervals: regularly check smoke detectors, fuses and personal emergency equipment.
Rights and obligations: who must do what?
The landlord is responsible for maintaining the apartment under tenancy law, especially when living conditions or safety are affected; this follows from the landlord's duties under tenancy law (BGB).[1] As a tenant you are obliged to report damage immediately and to take reasonable measures for your own protection.
Specific landlord obligations
- Arrange repairs to safety-relevant systems, e.g. electrics and heating.
- Install or maintain smoke detectors where legally required.
- Respond to tenant defect reports within reasonable timeframes.
Practical check steps for tenants
Carry out these checks and record the results.
- Test smoke detectors and note the date.
- Clear escape routes and check alternative exits.
- If you see electrical or heating problems, photograph and report immediately.
- Update emergency contacts and keep them visible.
- Send the report to the landlord in writing by email or registered mail and keep receipts.
If the landlord does not respond
If the landlord does not respond to defect reports, you as a tenant can take further action under procedural law and tenancy regulations.[2] Document deadlines, send a final notice and consider options such as rent reduction or having repairs carried out at the landlord's expense through court proceedings.
In legal disputes the local court is often competent; higher instances are the regional court and the Federal Court of Justice for precedents.[3][4]
FAQ
- What should I check immediately if I smell smoke?
- Leave the apartment, call the fire department and inform the landlord in writing about the incident.
- Can I reduce the rent if the landlord does not repair?
- Yes, under certain conditions a rent reduction is possible; document defects and deadlines carefully and seek legal advice.
- Who pays if an emergency is caused by outdated electrics?
- If the cause lies in neglected maintenance, the landlord may be liable; secure evidence and report the damage immediately.
How-To
- Download or create an emergency checklist and note the inspection date.
- Photograph defects and report them in writing to the landlord with a deadline (e.g. 14 days).
- If there is no response, send a reminder and use registered mail if necessary.
- If inactivity continues, consider legal steps; the local court may be competent.
- After resolution: update documentation and set inspection intervals.
