CO Alarms for Tenants in Germany - High-Rise Guide

As a tenant in Germany, you should know how and where CO alarms are safely installed and checked in apartments, especially in high-rise buildings. This guide clearly explains which duties landlords have, how you as a tenant can increase your own safety, which inspection steps and distances apply during installation, and how regular maintenance and battery checks work. We describe practical measures for alarm situations, such as how to act in case of elevated carbon monoxide concentration, information on reporting defects to the property management, and pointers to official regulations and responsible authorities in Germany. The goal is to give you concrete actions so you can react quickly and safely. At the end you will find links to official forms and courts as well as practical checklists for inspection and hazard reporting.

Basics and Risks

Carbon monoxide (CO) is colorless and odorless and can become dangerous quickly in enclosed spaces. In high-rise buildings, distribution through ventilation ducts and shafts increases the risk for multiple apartments. As a tenant you should know the difference between a CO alarm and a smoke alarm and recognize that CO alarms can save lives.

Legal Obligations for Landlords and Tenants

In Germany, tenancy agreements and law regulate the obligations for the safety of the dwelling; in particular, landlord duties arise from the German Civil Code (BGB).^[1] Landlords are obliged to hand over the rented property in a suitable condition and to remedy defects. In case of dispute, the local court (Amtsgericht) decides; court procedures follow the rules of the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO).^[2] For key legal questions and precedents, decisions of the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) may be relevant.^[4]

Installation: Where and How to Install CO Alarms

Correct placement is crucial: alarms should be mounted where people sleep or spend extended time. Avoid installing directly next to vents or behind curtains. In higher floors it is advisable to mount alarms in accessible places like hallways or bedrooms rather than in apartments with direct chimney connections.

• Maintain distances to heating walls and ventilation openings (deadline).
• Install CO alarms in sleeping and living rooms, not only in corridors (safety).
• Carry out regular maintenance and battery checks (repair).
• Report defects to property management immediately and set a deadline (contact).

Inspection and Maintenance

Test CO alarms at least once a month using the test button and replace batteries as recommended. Pay attention to the sensor's expiry date; many CO alarms have a limited service life (typically 5–10 years) and must then be replaced. If the landlord handles maintenance, record dates and results in a defect log.

• Monthly function check via the test button (evidence).
• Observe sensor service life and keep proof of replacement (repair).
• Keep inspection records and photos for documentation (evidence).

What to Do When an Alarm Sounds

If a CO alarm sounds, leave the apartment immediately, do not just ventilate briefly, and inform other residents. Notify the property management and, if symptoms like dizziness or nausea occur, call emergency services right away. A written defect report to the landlord may be required for further steps.

• Leave the apartment immediately and seek fresh air (vacate).
• Call emergency number 112 if symptoms occur and seek medical help (call).
• Report the incident in writing and set a deadline for remediation (file).
• Document photos, measurements, and witness statements (evidence).

Reporting Defects and Relevant Forms

If landlords do not respond, you can lodge a written defect notice and set a reasonable deadline for remediation. If the defect persists, there are several legal options: rent reduction, self-help measures, or filing a suit. Court proceedings are held at the local court (Amtsgericht) and applications follow the ZPO.^[2] For template letters and official forms see the resources below.^[3]

Frequently Asked Questions

Who pays for CO alarms, the landlord or the tenant?

Generally, the landlord bears the costs for safety-related equipment; check your rental agreement and request cost coverage in writing if unclear.^[1]

Can the landlord forbid installing CO alarms?

A general ban is unlikely due to safety obligations; discuss installation with property management and document your request.^[1]

What if the landlord does not react?

Send a written defect notice with a deadline; if unresolved, rent reduction, self-help, or a claim at the local court may follow.^[2]

How-To

1. Check presence and condition of CO alarms and document position (evidence).
2. Send a written defect notice to the landlord and set a deadline (contact).
3. Perform monthly function tests and keep records (repair).
4. On alarm: leave, call emergency services if symptomatic, and report incident in writing (file).
5. If the defect persists, consider legal action at the local court (court).

Help and Support / Resources

• [1] Gesetze im Internet: Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
• [2] Gesetze im Internet: Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
• [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH)
• [4] Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection (BMJV)

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1. [1] Gesetze im Internet: BGB
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet: ZPO
3. [3] BMJV - Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection
4. [4] Federal Court of Justice
5. [5] Justice Portal of the Federal Government and the Länder