Effective Defect Notice for Tenants – Germany

As a student living in a rental flat, inadequate heating, mold or broken water can quickly become a nuisance. This guide explains in plain language how tenants in Germany write a legally effective defect notice, which deadlines to observe and which evidence is useful so that rent reduction or repairs can be enforced. I describe practical steps, example texts and name official forms and courts so you know the right steps, from documentation through the written notice to possible litigation at the local court. The text is aimed at non-lawyers and helps to avoid common mistakes and assert rights confidently. At the end you will find a FAQ, a step-by-step guide and tips on how to adapt templates correctly and calculate deadlines.

Was ist eine Mängelanzeige?

A defect notice is the tenant's written communication to the landlord about damage or impairment of the rental property (e.g., heating failure, moisture, mold). The goal is to give the landlord the opportunity to remedy the defect and to create the basis for rent reduction or compensation. Legally relevant are in particular the landlord's duties under the provisions of the German Civil Code, for example §§ 535 ff. (duties, defect remediation, rent reduction).^[1]

Wann ist eine Mängelanzeige wirksam?

To be legally effective, a defect notice should be sent by the tenant clearly, dated and verifiably, describe the defect precisely and set a reasonable deadline for remediation. In principle: document, set a deadline, announce a grace period and, if necessary, calculate or apply a rent reduction.

• Set deadlines: Formulate a clear deadline for defect remedy (e.g., 14 days) and state a date in the text.
• Documentation: Take photos, note date, duration and witnesses; step-by-step evidence helps in court.
• Written notice: Send the defect notice by registered mail or e-mail and keep proof of delivery.
• Calculate rent reduction: Document percentage and period; seek legal advice if in doubt.
• Court steps: If the defect remains, a lawsuit at the local court may follow; local courts usually handle tenancy disputes.

Vorlagen und offizielle Formulare

There is no nationwide standard form for a defect notice, but the judiciary provides standardized forms for lawsuits and submissions. For terminations, eviction claims or civil procedure inputs, courts offer templates; use these only for court steps and adapt free defect notices yourself. Example: A simple defect notice should contain date, precise defect description, deadline for remedy and a note on possible rent reduction.

Praxisbeispiel: Mustertext (kurz)

Date: [DD.MM.YYYY]
Landlord: [Name, Address]
Subject: Defect notice – [specific defect]
Dear [Name], I hereby notify you of the above defect in the apartment [address, apartment no.]. Please remedy the defect by [date, e.g. within 14 days]. If no remedy occurs, I reserve the right to take further steps (rent reduction, court action). Sincerely, [Signature].

FAQ

What happens if the landlord does not respond?

If the landlord does not respond, the tenant can assert a rent reduction after the deadline has passed or initiate legal action; in serious cases, a lawsuit at the local court is possible.^[2]

Which deadline is appropriate?

A deadline of two weeks is often appropriate; in cases of health risk or acute failures (e.g., heating in winter), immediate measures are expected.

Do I need a form for the defect notice?

There is no official form required for the notice itself; for court proceedings, the judiciary's templates may be required.^[3]

Anleitung

1. Document the defect: photos, date, examples and witnesses.
2. Write the defect notice: describe the defect, set a deadline and send the notice verifiably.
3. Wait the deadline and note if and when the landlord responds.
4. If the defect persists: calculate the rent reduction and keep receipts ready.
5. If necessary, file a lawsuit at the competent local court.

Wichtige Hinweise für Studierende

As a student you can often react quickly: inform the property management if applicable and use student advisory services for initial legal information. Check whether a rent reduction can noticeably ease your budget or whether a quick repair is preferable.

Hilfe und Unterstützung / Ressourcen

• [1] BGB — Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (Auszug §§ 535 ff.)
• [2] Bundesgerichtshof — Entscheidungen zum Mietrecht
• [3] Justizportal — Vordrucke und Hinweise der Gerichte

1. [1] BGB — Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (Auszug §§ 535 ff.)
2. [2] Bundesgerichtshof — Entscheidungen zum Mietrecht
3. [3] Justizportal — Vordrucke und Hinweise der Gerichte