CO Alarms for Tenant Families in Germany

As tenants in Germany, protection from carbon monoxide is especially important, particularly for families with small children or elderly relatives. This text explains in plain language which duties exist for the installation and maintenance of CO alarms, how to react correctly in the event of an alarm, and which legal steps are possible if defects or neglected maintenance occur. You will receive practical immediate measures, advice on securing evidence, guidance on communicating with the landlord and information on deadlines so that you can effectively enforce your rights. At the end you will find a step-by-step guide, an FAQ and official links to the BGB, ZPO and the competent local courts.

Who is responsible and which duties apply?

In general, tenancy law in Germany regulates responsibilities between tenant and landlord: the landlord must maintain the apartment in a contractually agreed condition; the duty to install CO alarms can arise from state building regulations and lease contractual obligations. In disputes about duties and defect remediation, §§ 535–580a BGB can be relevant^[1]. Document defects and notifications in writing and set deadlines for remediation.

What to do in a CO alarm?

Act quickly and safely: protect people, leave the apartment immediately in case of symptoms and call emergency services if necessary.

• Call emergency number 112 if people are unconscious or show acute poisoning symptoms.
• Move everyone outside immediately and open windows/doors to ventilate.
• Inform the landlord immediately and confirm the damage report in writing; request an immediate inspection.
• If a defective heating system or appliance is suspected, have a specialist company commissioned and request repair protocols.

Forms and legal steps

If the landlord does not respond, you can set a written deadline for defect remediation and possibly consider a rent reduction. For legal proceedings, the procedural rules of the Civil Procedure Code (ZPO) apply when filing an eviction suit or other claims^[2]. Always use registered mail or personal delivery with a receipt as proof.

Practical sample forms

Official templates for documents are usually found on the pages of the justice ministries or authorities. A common approach is: report defects in writing, set a deadline (e.g. 14 days) and indicate the threat of further rights (rent reduction, self-remedy, lawsuit). Keep copies of all letters and responses.

FAQ

Who pays for the installation of CO alarms?

It depends on the lease and state law; often the landlord bears the costs when it comes to permanently installed safety equipment.

May I leave the apartment and reduce the rent?

With significant danger a rent reduction may be possible; document defects and notify the landlord in writing with a deadline.

Which court do I contact in case of dispute?

For tenancy disputes, the local district court (Amtsgericht) is usually competent in the first instance; higher instances are the regional court and in exceptional cases the Federal Court of Justice.

How-To

1. Take immediate measures: move people outside and call emergency services if necessary.
2. Inform the landlord and request inspection and repair in writing.
3. Secure evidence: photos, measurement reports, witnesses, medical certificates.
4. Set a deadline in writing (e.g. 14 days) using a defect notification template.
5. If necessary, file a lawsuit at the competent district court.

Help and Support / Resources

• Federal Ministry of Justice (BMJ)
• Gesetze im Internet (gesetze-im-internet.de)
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH)

1. [1] German Civil Code (BGB) §§535–580a — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Housing Promotion Act (WoFG) — gesetze-im-internet.de