Damage Report 2025 for Tenants in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, a quick and correct damage report is crucial to limit costs and secure rights. This guide explains step by step which documents you must collect, which deadlines apply and how to proceed formally with landlord, insurer and court. I show which official laws and forms are relevant, how to document evidence such as photos and cost estimates correctly and how to set appointments and deadlines. The language remains easy to understand; practical templates and a clear approach help you carry out a damage report in 2025 promptly and with legal certainty. Use the checklists and tips to handle your case effectively.

Which documents do you need?

• Photos and videos of the damage (evidence), with date, time and multiple angles.
• Written notice to landlord or property manager (notice), including description and date.
• Receipts and cost estimates for repairs (evidence) as well as invoices for prior work.
• Deadline note (calendar): date of the report and proposed deadline for remedy.

How do you report the damage formally?

Always write a short, documented notice to the landlord and, if applicable, directly to your liability or household insurance. State the date, type of damage, scope and attach evidence photos. Set a reasonable deadline for repair (e.g. 14 days) and request confirmation of receipt.

Example formulations

• Short notice to landlord: "Dear ..., on DD.MM.YYYY the following damage occurred: ... Please remedy by DD.MM.YYYY."
• Template for insurer report: "Policy number, damage date, damage description, attached photos, cost estimate."

Deadlines and legal basis

As a tenant, you should know the statutory duties and deadlines: the landlord's obligations for maintenance and defect remedy are regulated in §§ 535–536 BGB ^[1]. If the landlord does not respond, court action may be necessary; procedural rules are in the ZPO ^[2]. For legal questions and precedents, BGH decisions can be relevant ^[3].

Practical steps if landlord does not respond

• Document: Review all receipts and create a chronological list (evidence).
• Contact: Request written confirmation of receipt from landlord or management (contact).
• Repair: For acute hazards, arrange necessary emergency measures and document costs (repair).
• Legal steps: If necessary, prepare documents for the local court and consider legal action (court).

FAQ

What if the landlord does not respond?

Set a written deadline for remedy, document all steps and consider involving a lawyer or the payment order procedure.

Can I repair myself and claim costs from the landlord?

In urgent cases you may avert damage yourself; keep cost proofs and inform the landlord beforehand if possible.

Do I have to inform my insurance?

Yes, notify your liability or household insurer early; incorrect or late notifications may jeopardize claims.

How-To

1. Step 1: Collect evidence (photos, videos, date, witness statements).
2. Step 2: Send a formal damage report to landlord and insurer and request confirmation (notice).
3. Step 3: Set a deadline for remedy and document start and expiry of the deadline (calendar).
4. Step 4: If there is no response, prepare documents for the local court and consider legal proceedings (court).

Help & Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet — Official legal texts and explanations
• Federal Court of Justice — Case law on tenancy law
• Federal Ministry of Justice — Services and forms

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — Official decisions