CO Detectors in High-Rises: Tenant Rights in Germany
As a tenant in Germany, you should know which rules apply to CO detectors in high-rises and who is responsible for purchase, maintenance and inspection. Carbon monoxide is odorless and particularly dangerous in poorly ventilated living and boiler rooms. This text explains in clear terms when detectors may be mandatory, which duties landlords and tenants have, how to properly test and train the detector, and which proofs and deadlines are important. You will receive practical steps to recognize dangers, how to report defects and which authorities or courts are responsible for disputes. At the end you will find templates for reports and references to relevant laws in Germany.
Who is responsible for CO detectors?
In principle, the landlord is obliged to provide the apartment in a condition conforming to the contract. The landlord can be responsible for the installation and basic equipment of safety devices such as CO detectors, especially if there is a risk from gas heating or fuel boilers[1]. If there are concrete provisions in the house rules or tenancy agreement, these also apply; in case of uncertainties the local courts are the first instance for tenancy disputes[3].
Installation, maintenance and inspection duties
Whether detectors are mandatory depends on state building codes, the type of heating system and contractual agreements. In many cases the landlord installs the fixed detector system, while functional checks must be carried out regularly. Document every check in writing.
- Landlord: Check installation of fixed CO detectors or central systems.
- Tenant: Test regularly (follow manufacturer instructions) and report defects.
- Specialist firms: Have maintenance and replacement performed according to manufacturer recommendations.
What to do if there are defects or missing detectors?
If the landlord does not respond, you should report defects in writing and verifiably and set a reasonable deadline for remedy. Name the problem clearly in the letter, request remedy and set a deadline. If the landlord does not react, legal action up to a claim before the local court is possible; the rules of civil procedure apply[2].
Practical steps for tenants
- Document the absence of a detector immediately in writing.
- Ask the landlord to install or repair the detector within a clear deadline.
- In case of danger: Do not waste time, leave the apartment and inform emergency services.
FAQ
- Are CO detectors mandatory in high-rises?
- This depends on state regulations, the type of heating system and the lease; in many cases detectors are strongly recommended and partly required.[1]
- Who is responsible for installation and costs?
- Often the landlord is responsible for the basic equipment and fixed installations; regular functional checks should be documented and may be tenant duties.
- What can I do if the landlord does not respond?
- Send a written defect notification with a deadline; if there is no reaction, the path via the local court is possible and legal advice may be sensible.[2]
How-To
- Check whether a CO detector is present and active.
- Test the detector according to the operating instructions and record the date and result.
- Inform the landlord in writing about missing or defective detectors and set a deadline.
- If there is no response: request remediation in writing and announce possible rent reductions or legal steps.
- In immediate danger: leave the apartment and call the fire brigade/emergency services.
Help and Support
- German Civil Code (BGB) – gesetze-im-internet.de
- Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) – gesetze-im-internet.de
- Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – bundesgerichtshof.de
