CO Alarms: Tenant Safety in Germany

As a tenant in Germany you should take CO alarms seriously: carbon monoxide is odorless and can become life-threatening quickly. This guide explains clearly when a CO alarm is required, what rights you have as a tenant in case of health risks or defects, and how you can require the landlord to upgrade. You will receive practical steps for documentation, communication and, if necessary, legal action before the local court. Forms and legal references are named so you can quickly find the right documents and meet deadlines. I explain terms such as rent reduction, defect notification and eviction lawsuit in simple steps so families can act quickly.

Why CO alarms are important

CO alarms warn about life-threatening concentrations that are neither visible nor detectable by smell. In many buildings, the landlord's duty to secure against hazards (traffic safety duty) can lead to an obligation to protect against danger sources; tenancy claims arise from the BGB §§ 535–580a.^[1]

Who is responsible?

In principle, the landlord is responsible for the safety of the rented premises; this may include installing or providing CO alarms. As a tenant you should send a written defect notification (document the receipt) and set a reasonable deadline. Relevant forms and templates include, for example, a written defect notification or a termination letter template for extreme cases; use the document when setting a deadline or documenting a damage notice. As a concrete example: send a "defect notification" with a 14-day deadline by registered mail and keep the mailing receipt.

Practical steps for families

• Set a clear deadline for the landlord, for example 14 days, for retrofit or repair.
• Collect evidence: photos, measurement data, medical reports and witness statements.
• Contact the landlord in writing and by phone and document all contacts.
• Do not perform your own interventions on heating or ventilation systems that could jeopardize your rights.

Further legal notes

If the landlord does not respond after the deadline, a rent reduction may be possible or you may need to involve the local court to enforce remediation. Court proceedings are governed by the rules of the Civil Procedure Code (ZPO), for example for statements of claim and service rules.^[2]

FAQ

Is the landlord required to install CO alarms in Germany?

It depends on state law, the type of building and the specific danger situation. Usually the landlord has the duty to secure against hazards; check the tenancy agreement and contact the landlord in writing.^[1]

Can I reduce the rent if no CO alarm is present?

In the case of significant impairments of habitability or dangers, a rent reduction under the rules of the BGB may be an option. Documentation and setting a deadline are prerequisites.

What should I do in the event of acute CO exposure?

In case of acute danger leave the apartment immediately, call the emergency number 112, inform the landlord and seek medical help.

How-To

1. Set a written deadline to the landlord (e.g. 14 days) for retrofit or repair.
2. Collect photos, measurement data and medical reports as evidence.
3. Send a formal defect notification by registered mail or email and document the dispatch.
4. If there is no response, file a lawsuit at the competent local court; observe the ZPO deadlines.

Help and Support

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — Gesetze im Internet
• Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — Gesetze im Internet
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — Tenancy rulings

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof — decisions on tenancy law