Covering Lost Keys for Tenants in Germany

As a student, a lost apartment key can quickly cause stress and expenses. Tenants in Germany often face questions: who pays for a lock change, does liability or household insurance cover damages, and what steps should be taken immediately? This article explains in clear language which rights and obligations apply between tenant and landlord, how to involve insurers, which deadlines and proofs are important, and when a court may be involved. You will receive practical action steps for immediate response, advice on communicating with the landlord and insurer, and templates for receipts and reports. The goal is to give students in Germany a safe, step-by-step guide so that problems with lost keys are resolved quickly and cost-effectively.

What to do if you lose your key

Before acting, briefly check your lease and remember: duties regarding maintenance and access are regulated in the BGB (particularly §§ 535–580a). ^[1]

• Contact the landlord or property manager immediately and report the loss.
• Collect evidence: date, place, possible witnesses, photos and keep all receipts.
• If theft or suspicion exists, file a police report and send a copy to landlord and insurer. ^[3]
• Consider changing the lock; request a written cost estimate.
• Inform your insurer: check liability and household policies for possible coverage.

Insurance: liability vs. household

Private liability insurance typically covers third-party claims if you, as a tenant, are held responsible for damage or loss. Household insurance primarily protects your personal belongings, not the landlord's property. For lost keys: check your policy and report the case quickly in writing with evidence.

How to report a claim correctly

• Send a written claim to the insurer with date, circumstances and evidence.
• Include all receipts, cost estimates and the police report.
• Record reference numbers and contacts at the insurer.

Communication, payment responsibility and legal steps

In many cases tenants and landlords agree on an estimate or partial payment. If no agreement is reached and the landlord makes claims, the matter can be resolved at the competent local court (Amtsgericht). ^[2]

FAQ

Who pays for a lock change if I lose my key?

If you are responsible for the loss, the landlord may charge the tenant; it depends on the individual case and proof.

Does liability insurance cover the costs?

Liability insurance can cover landlord claims if you are at fault; check your policy and report the claim.

Does household insurance cover my key?

Household insurance usually replaces personal items; it rarely replaces landlord property like locks, except in certain theft cases from the apartment.

Should I always inform the police?

In cases of theft or suspected theft you should file a police report; this is often a condition for insurance benefits.

How-To

1. Inform the landlord or property manager immediately and request written confirmation.
2. Document date, circumstances and possible witnesses and collect evidence.
3. If theft is suspected, file a police report and keep a copy. ^[3]
4. Obtain cost estimates for lock changes and present them to landlord and insurer.
5. Report the insurance claim and submit all receipts.
6. If no agreement is possible, seek legal advice and consider action at the local court. ^[2]

Help and Support

• BGB §§535–580a, gesetze-im-internet.de
• Information on local courts, justiz.de
• File a police report: polizei.de

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§535–580a, gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Local courts in Germany (Amtsgerichte), justiz.de
3. [3] Filing a police report, polizei.de