CO Alarms for Tenants in Germany: High-Rise Install

As a tenant in a high-rise in Germany, you should know how and when you are allowed to install a CO alarm, what obligations the landlord has and how to act quickly in an emergency. This guide explains practically which legal bases apply^[1], how to draft a written defect notice to the landlord and when rent reduction is possible. I also describe how to clarify installation conditions, which technical requirements make sense and which authorities or courts you can contact in a dispute^[2]. Carbon monoxide is odorless and can quickly become life-threatening, so a working alarm is important^[3]. At the end you will find step-by-step actions for emergencies and official links to laws and authorities so you can act safely and legally protected.

CO alarms in high-rises: rights and duties

Basically: landlords are obliged by duties of care to keep the apartment in a contract-compliant condition. As a tenant you may generally install smoke and CO alarms if this does not cause permanent structural changes or damage the building fabric. It is always sensible to briefly coordinate with the landlord in writing to avoid misunderstandings later.

Practice: written defect notice

If you discover a missing or defective CO alarm, send a formal defect notice to the landlord. Include date, location, description of the defect and a deadline for repair. Mention possible health risks and request a written response. If there is no reaction, you can consider further steps.

• Set a deadline: Request remedy within a reasonable time (e.g. 14 days).
• Document: Take photos, note date and time and keep receipts.
• Safety: If you suspect acute danger, call 112 and leave the apartment immediately.

Technical notes for high-rises

High-rises have special requirements for detector placement and coverage. Place CO alarms in corridors and near heating or fuel-burning appliances, but not directly next to doors or windows. Observe testing intervals for batteries or built-in sensors and check device certifications.

FAQ

Who must provide the CO alarm?

This can depend on the lease and regional regulations; often the landlord is required to ensure safe living conditions, but tenants can install alarms if this does not cause permanent alterations.

May I drill or run cables without permission?

Drilling into walls or permanent installations usually require the landlord's consent; battery-powered attachable alarms are usually unproblematic.

What to do when the alarm sounds?

Leave the apartment immediately, inform other residents, call emergency number 112 and notify the landlord in writing.

How-To

1. Check: Verify whether the lease or house rules mention alarms.
2. Write: Send a short defect notice to the landlord with a deadline.
3. Install: Use battery-powered alarms or agree on professional installation with the landlord.
4. Test: Test the alarm regularly and document tests and battery changes.
5. Emergency: On alarm, leave the apartment immediately, call 112 and inform the landlord.

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet (BGB, ZPO and more)
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) decisions on tenancy law
• Federal Environment Agency: Carbon monoxide and health

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) on Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Umweltbundesamt