Create Home Emergency Plan: Tenants in Germany
As a tenant in Germany, you should have a clear home emergency plan so you can act quickly in case of water damage, heating failure, fire or sudden eviction. This guide explains simple steps: which documents to collect, which forms are important, how to inform landlords and authorities and which deadlines to observe. We provide practical checklists on how to document repairs, consider rent reduction and which official bodies and courts can help in disputes. The goal is for you as a tenant to protect your rights, limit damage and find quick support in an emergency. Read on for prevention, template forms and concrete steps you can implement immediately.
What belongs in an emergency plan?
A simple emergency plan helps you act quickly in case of damage. Collect central information and set procedures so that neither your belongings nor your rights as a tenant are unnecessarily endangered.
- Collect documents (record): lease, insurance documents, photos of condition, rent payments and correspondence.
- Emergency contacts (contact): landlord, property management, contractors, insurer and local emergency numbers.
- Repair plan (repair): list of trusted contractors, estimated costs, and priorities for heating, water or power failures.
- Safety equipment (safety): check smoke alarms, have a fire extinguisher, flashlight and personal medication ready.
- Evacuation plan (move-out): escape routes, external meeting point and arrangements for pets.
Legal duties and deadlines
As a tenant you must report defects to the landlord without delay; otherwise you risk disadvantages regarding claims such as rent reduction or damages. Relevant legal regulations are in the Civil Code (BGB) on tenant duties and defects[1] and in the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) for court actions[2]. In acute dangers you should also inform the responsible courts and authorities, for example the local court (Amtsgericht) in rental disputes or other competent bodies[3].
Practical template forms and samples
For many steps there are standard letters you can adapt, e.g. defect notification to the landlord or a termination letter. Use templates to document deadlines and facts clearly. If you initiate a lawsuit or payment order, official forms can be found at courts and justice portals.
Concrete action steps in case of damage
Act in a structured way: secure, document, notify, and observe deadlines. Well-documented damage increases your chances of success in rent reduction or insurance reimbursement.
- Take photos and videos: document date, time and location.
- Send written defect notice to landlord: state date and set a deadline.
- Contact insurer and contractors and arrange inspections.
- Track deadlines: record landlord response time and statutory periods.
FAQ
- How do I quickly create an emergency plan as a tenant?
- Start with a list of key documents, emergency contacts and an evacuation point; set procedures for water damage, heating failure and fire, and save everything digitally and on paper.
- When must I report damage to the landlord?
- As soon as you notice the damage, preferably in writing with a deadline; prompt reporting protects your rights under the BGB[1].
- When can I reduce the rent?
- If the habitability is significantly impaired, rent reduction may be possible; check the requirements in §§ 535 ff. BGB and document defect and effect.
How-To
- Collect: have copies of lease, photos, insurance papers and invoices ready.
- Write: draft a defect notice, describe damage, set a deadline and send by registered mail or email.
- Contact: inform landlord, insurer and trusted contractors.
- Monitor deadlines: note receipt confirmations and statutory time limits.
- Remedy: carry out emergency measures, document costs and check reimbursement options.
Help and Support / Resources
- Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection (BMJ)
- Gesetze im Internet: BGB, ZPO
- Justice portal: information on local courts and procedures
- Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – Decisions
