CO Alarms in Old Buildings: Tenant Safety in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, it is important to understand the specifics of carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in old buildings. Old pipes, poor ventilation and inadequately maintained heating appliances increase the risk. This text clearly explains the duties of landlords and tenants, how to place CO alarms correctly, what maintenance makes sense and how to document defects. It shows practical steps for acute alarms, advice on communicating with the landlord and when legal action at a local court may be appropriate. I also name concrete sample texts, deadlines and official contact points as well as guidance on safe behavior when CO poisoning is suspected. Examples and checklists help to substantiate claims against the landlord in a factual manner.

What tenants need to know

CO is odorless and can become dangerous quickly in poorly ventilated old buildings. Defective heating or unfavorable ventilation conditions often contribute. As a tenant you should take alarm messages seriously, ventilate immediately and get people to safety. Note the time, symptoms and possible causes; this documentation helps with later claims.

• Call emergency number 112 if people are unconscious or show acute poisoning symptoms.
• Inform the landlord or property manager immediately and record the time of the alarm in writing.
• Take photos of the alarm, date/time and any visible defects.
• Request repair or inspection of heating appliances promptly if the cause is unclear.
• Observe deadlines: respond in writing and set a reasonable deadline for remedy.

Duties of landlord and tenant

Under the basic rules of tenancy law, the landlord is obliged to keep the rental property in a contractual condition. Relevant provisions are found in the German Civil Code (BGB), especially on defect remediation and rent reduction.^[1] Tenants must report promptly and plausibly document damage; landlords must examine and, if necessary, act. If there is a dispute about measures or deadlines, the local court (Amtsgericht) is responsible.^[2]

Documentation & Forms

Keep a simple log: date, time, symptoms, photos, names of witnesses. For formal steps, sample letters can help, such as a formal defect notice or a request for remediation. For court actions, the local court provides standard complaint forms and guidance on filing a suit.^[4]

FAQ

Who is responsible for CO alarms in old buildings?

In principle, the landlord is obliged to keep the flat in a safe condition; specific structural duties and retrofitting obligations may vary. If in doubt, send a written inquiry to the landlord and consult the local court if necessary.^[2]

Can I install a CO alarm myself?

Yes, tenants are generally allowed to install CO alarms. It is more important to coordinate with the landlord for fixed installations; document installation and function tests in writing.

What deadlines apply for defect remediation?

There is no uniform deadline; an "appropriate deadline" depends on urgency. In acute danger immediate action is required; otherwise set a written grace period for the landlord.

How-To

1. Secure a safe place and call emergency number 112 immediately if there is a health risk.
2. Document date, time, symptoms and photos and name witnesses.
3. Send a formal defect notice in writing to the landlord and set a deadline for remediation.
4. If no solution is found, consider filing a complaint or seeking advice at the competent local court.^[2]

Help & Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet – Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
• Justizportal of the Federal Government and the Länder (local court information and forms)
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – decisions

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet – Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
2. [2] Justizportal des Bundes und der Länder
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH)
4. [4] Justizportal – forms and guidance for filing a complaint