Contents Insurance for Tenants in Germany 2025

As a tenant in Germany, you should review your contents insurance regularly and adjust it to changed living circumstances. This article explains in practical terms when an update is necessary, how to report damage correctly and which forms become relevant at authorities or courts. I describe simple steps for documenting losses, rights and obligations under the BGB and when a landlord s access to the apartment is permissible. Examples show how to adjust cover for high-value items, moving or family growth and how to act when landlords or neighbours cause damage. At the end you will find a guide to filing claims and links to official forms and court guidance.

What tenants need to know about contents insurance

Contents insurance covers personal items against risks such as fire, water damage, burglary and storms. Check your sum insured regularly; it must cover the current value of your household goods. For legal questions, tenancy law in the BGB^[1] applies and court procedures follow the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO)^[2]. If damage occurs, document evidence and inform the insurer and, if necessary, the landlord.

When should tenants adjust their policy?

Typical cases for adjustment are moving, acquiring expensive valuables, family growth or major upgrades to furnishings. Adjust your sum insured before a damage occurs.

• Move (move-out): Increase the sum insured when moving in or out to avoid underinsurance.
• Valuables (amount): Report jewellery, art or electronics and, if necessary, add additional coverage.
• Renovation (repair): For larger renovations check whether the policy covers construction or installation risks.
• Documentation (evidence): Keep inventory lists and purchase receipts to prove losses.

If the landlord causes damage through their actions or needs access to the apartment, discuss duties and deadlines in writing. In disputes, a lawsuit at the local court may be necessary.

Report damage: step by step

In case of damage: stay calm, prevent danger, document and then report. Report all relevant facts to your insurer and submit supporting documents.

1. Collect evidence: photos, dates, witness contacts and purchase receipts.
2. Report damage: contact your insurer in writing and by phone and request a claim number.
3. Submit estimates and invoices: document repair or replacement costs.
4. In case of dispute: secure correspondence and consider court action at the local court.

FAQ

Do I need my own contents insurance as a tenant?

Yes, as a tenant personal items are not automatically covered by the landlord s building insurance; your own contents insurance protects your belongings against common risks.

Can the landlord prescribe a specific policy?

The landlord cannot unilaterally prescribe your private contents insurance; however, they can agree justified rules on insurance obligations in the lease.

Which forms do I need for a lawsuit or claim?

For court proceedings use the complaint form of the judiciary or the form-based submissions at the competent local court; for insurers use the insurer s claim form and attach purchase receipts.

How-To

1. Collect evidence: provide photos, witness statements and receipts.
2. Complete the insurer s claim form and submit it.
3. Submit invoices: submit estimates and invoices for reimbursement.
4. If rejected, prepare documents and deadlines for possible court action at the local court.

Help and Support

• Justice portal: forms and services (justiz.de)
• Laws online: BGB, ZPO and other statutes (gesetze-im-internet.de)
• Federal Court of Justice: decisions and summaries (bundesgerichtshof.de)

1. [1] BGB §535 – Rights and duties from the tenancy agreement (gesetze-im-internet.de)
2. [2] ZPO – Code of Civil Procedure (gesetze-im-internet.de)
3. [3] Justice portal: forms and services (justiz.de)